Text from Wurth sustainable facade systems challenge website
As the world faces pressing climate concerns, sustainable construction takes center stage. Be part and co-create groundbreaking innovations for sustainable facade fastening systems with Würth. Tackle the problem of thermal bridges through new materials/ methods or build circular approaches that help to reuse deconstructed panels/ cladding/ sub-constructions.
Here is a brief overview of the content and what to expect when joining the sustainable facades systems challenge. Further, more detailed information can be found here.
Introduction
In a world where climate issues are becoming urgent, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable construction – and still a lot of room to improve.
The prevailing practice of drilling directly through the composite material into the anchoring ground or anchoring base that bridges walls and facade systems brings two main problems:
- At its core, this approach creates thermal bridges in the attachment of facades to composite materials, which raises unwarranted heat loss.
- At the same time, these systems do not allow the facades to be functionally removed and re-used.
In order to tackle these problems Würth is looking for you to jointly co-create groundbreaking approaches for facade fastening systems.
Challenge
Based on the two problem statements you can follow two opportunity areas while it is a plus to combine both of them in one approach:
1) Unleashing the power of alternative materials and fastening methods
Here we aim to find materials and/or methods that go beyond convention and pioneer the creation of compounds that do not compromise on energy savings. The goal is clear: eliminate thermal bridges while creating a connection that will stand the test of time.
- How can we revolutionize the fastening of facade cladding to eliminate thermal bridges and conserve energy after the installation?
2) Circular systems
Here we are looking for holistic fastening and installation concepts, in which the underlying material remains as undamaged as possible during construction and deconstruction so that the facade cladding/ panels can be made removable. In doing so, we strive to unlock the potential for both fastening and deconstruction in single construction.
- What new solutions and methods can be developed to foster circular economy and eco-conscious paradigm in the construction industry?
Further information and all queries should be directed here
The CIB Vistas programme awarded funding to Jan Hugo of the University of Pretoria, and fellow international researchers, to further develop their work on flexible facades.
