The construction of the new multi-functional hub in the “Ex-Zuffo” parking lot of Trento — part of the Italian Demonstrator of the ARV project — is entering its final phase. Let’s take a look at what has already been completed and what’s coming next.

What’s been done so far?

After the excavation works, the first innovative technology installed in late 2024 was GeothermSkin, a geothermal systemdeveloped by project partner Politecnico di Torino. This cutting-edge system was integrated directly into the building underground floor, leveraging the thermal activation of the foundation slab and walls.

With the start of the new year, the construction works gradually moved to the above-ground floor. The building’s timber load-bearing structure was installed by Xlam Dolomiti, a company specialized in the design and production of Xlam/CLT building systems. The supply included custom-made prefabricated elements, manufactured according to project specifications to ensure high static performance, executive precision and speed during assembly. Xlam Dolomiti’s know-how helped meet construction deadlines and ensure the sustainability and quality requirements of the project.

As a next step, the envelope was completed with Renew Wall[1] prefabricated façades, manufactured and installed by Fanti Group. Before the installation on site, some of the Renew Wall panels – those to be integrated with innovative technologies and cladding systems on the southern side of the building – were equipped with a set of monitoring sensors. This work was performed by Fanti Group at their manufacturing site, under coordination and supervision of the University of Trento. The monitoring equipment includes surface temperature sensors, which track temperature across the wall layers from inside to outside — especially at material transitions — and heat flux meters, which measure both the direction and rate of heat flow. Thanks to these sensors, it is possible to assess the thermal transmittance of the walls in winter and compare real data to expected values, while also evaluating their seasonal performance — including heat storage and release capacity.  All the innovative façades being monitored have the same size, orientation, and boundary conditions: this allows not only verification of their expected performance but also the possibility of improving them in the future, if needed. Moving to the building’s south-facing façade, a PVT module was installed later in Spring. The innovation – developed by the team from the Department of Architecture and Design of Politecnico di Torino – involves a prefabricated PVT (Photovoltaic-Solar Thermal) system module[2] for integration into building façades. Installed in the ARV Demo Building in Trento, this system combines with Renew Wall

prefabricated walls, allowing for efficient assembly, disassembly, and maintenance through fast plug-in connections.

In June 2025 the building’s south-facing façade system also enriched with a transparent BIPV module (Building Integrated Photovoltaics). The Heli-On glazing developed by Glass to Power, a company active in the BIPV sector and based in Rovereto (Italy), consists of an innovative insulating glass unit equipped with a photovoltaic frame. This initiative marks one of its first realizations. Heli-On combines thermal and acoustic insulation, a fully transparent minimalist design, and energy generation in a single building element.

What’s next?

In the coming weeks, additional cladding systems and technologies (a green façade, opaque BIPV and a ventilated façade) are going to complete the south-facing innovative equipment of the building. As we move ahead in summer, the final steps will include completing the mechanical and electrical systems and finishing interior and exterior details. Step by step, ARV demo building in Trento is becoming a concrete showcase of innovation for sustainable and circular construction.

[1] Patent “Sistema modulare per l’isolamento termico di una parete” n. 102021000014837 and 102021000014840 / Inventors: Fanti Marino, Menapace Stefano, Ferrario Fabio, Zini Gabriele.

[2] European Patent “Modulo solare ibrido fotovoltaico e termico” / Patent owner: Eff&Giemme S.a.s. di Michele Angelo Manassero / Patent number 24193511.3 / Submission date 08/08/2024. Inventors: Callegari Guido, Manassero Michele Angelo, Merolla Eleonora, Simeone Paolo.