New Easy to Install and Manufacture PRE-Fabricated Modules Supported by a BIM based Integrated Design ProceSS

ObjectivesProject news

IMPRESS

leverages on the potential of prefabrication by developing a new range of easy to install panels, which reduces energy demand while preserving and/or improving the building aesthetics. The project started in June 2015 and will be closed in May 2019.
Our objectives are:
Prefabricated Panel Development
Manufacturing Process / Formwork
Installation & Finish
Design-Construct-Install-Operate Process
Software Development
Demonstration

About

New technologies and techniques are required to improve energy efficiency in buildings dated between 1950 and 1975, which were constructed in an era where energy performance was not a critical part of the design.
A new range of prefabricated panels, reducing energy demand, preserving the building aesthetics.

IMPRESS is developing a new range of easy to install panels, which reduce energy demand while preserving or improving the building aesthetics.
Three prefabricated panels were developed, both for re-cladding and over-cladding, together with nano/micro particle based coatings, to achieve anti-corrosion and ageing resistance, improved solar reflectance and anti-vandalism properties. To produce the panels, an innovative manufacturing process was created that includes Reconfigurable Moulding, 3D laser scanning and 3D printing technologies. A new Iterative Design Methodology is being developed, incorporating all stages of the Design-Construct-Install-Operate process, integrated with a cloud based BIM database. A Decision Support Software will help the end user to choose the most suitable renovation option.
The results will shortly be demonstrated on two buildings where final as-built product performance will be validated against the initial design.

  • Energy consumption

    Reducing the primary energy consumption by 50%

  • Thermal performance

    Improve thermal performance and optimise its light radiation by at least 30%

  • Formworks precision

    Improving precision of formworks for irregular shapes by 50%

  • Installation time

    Reducing installation time of prefab panels by more than 30%

  • Validation

    Validate the performance of the prefabricated modules on the 2 demo sites over at least 12 month

  • RoI

    Allow for an RoI of < 10 years

CONSORTIUM

The consortium includes the direct end users of the demonstrator sites, i.e. Severin for the building in Romania and Coventry City Council for the building in UK. This ensures that there will be no doubt with respect to the activities that will be carried out on the demonstration buildings and most importantly that we are including end users in the value chain
Integrated Environmental Solutions
UK – SME
IES is world leaders in Dynamic Simulation Modelling and will bring this knowledge and their proprietary software to the project which is essential for the creation of the energy models and final BIM platform.
STAM
IT – SME
STAM has pioneered advanced 3D surface generation techniques for applications in the textile sectors developed during Leapfrog project and has a patent pending on the RM concept, essential for the project
TECHRETE IRELAND LIMITED
IRL – LARGE
TC are a construction company which manufacture and deploy pre-cast concrete prefabricated panels for new design and building renovation
STRESS
IT – RO
Stress expertise is based on the development of Best Practices, derived by the design and the realization of technology demonstrators, intended as applications of innovative technologies and methodologies studied and developed during the research activities.
HYPUCEM
IT – SME
HCM are experts in chemical formulations of organic-inorganic hybrid materials at lab and pilot scales and the development and testing of lab and pilot scale manufacturing technologies of foamed hybrid products.
SIRUS AIRCON
IRL – SME
Sirus has worked on the development of BEMS solutions in construction for more than 25 years and has a broad understanding of the practical and contractual issues surrounding the delivery of these solutions.
WASP
IT – SME
WASP has a consolidated experience in developing 3D printing machines for different scopes and applications. The company is able to construct “ad hoc” 3D printers depending on the specific application and accuracy required
GEONARDO ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES
HU – SME
Geonardo is an engineering and consultancy company providing cutting-edge solutions in the energy, environment and sustainable development fields.
BIESSSE TAPE SOLUTIONS
AT – SME
BIESSE has experience with respect to the development of innovative adhesive taping solutions. This will be used to develop the most suitable adhesive and supporting material for panel anchoring.
BERGAMO TECNOLOGIE SPZOO
PL – SME
BGT’s experience is with respect to the installation of the panels to the buildings and has a vast experience with installing similar prefabricated products in real buildings.
AH ASOCIADOS
ES – SME
AH offer constructive industrialized solutions, ensuring energy supplies and promoting sustainable behaviour. They have design and implemented a wide range of fixation systems
NOVEL TECHNOLOGIES CENTER
Ro – SME
NT through its fully equipped laboratories and its experienced personnel is participating to the research of new type of coatings, plasters and mortars.
MUNICIPIUL DROBETA TURNU SEVERIN
RO – PUBLIC
SEV will act as an end user through the inclusion of one of their buildings within their municipality.
Council of the City of Coventry
UK – PUBLIC
COV will act as an end user through the inclusion of one of their buildings within their city
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN
IRL – UNI
University College Dublin is one of Europe’s Leading research-intensive universities where a comprehensive suite of strong disciplines forms the foundation of high quality interdisciplinary research, scholarship and innovation.

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