System for fixing ‘Renew-Wall’ elements to existing wall

More Information

eMarketplace

Products/Technical solution, Technologies and Building systems

DESCRIPTION:

A new fixing system was developed for attaching Renew-Wall prefabricated energy renovation panels to existing building walls. Through on-site trials and lab testing, various options were evaluated for improved speed, safety, reversibility, and ease of installation, including steel brackets, threaded rods, and systems inspired by ventilated curtain walls. The final solution, used in the Povo demonstration project, features a support frame of vertical and horizontal timber elements anchored to the existing wall with dowel-type fasteners. The Renew-Wall panels are then secured to this frame using timber screws and pre-installed steel plates within the panel’s timber structure.

BUSINESS ROUTE

Target Users

Constructors

VALUE

The new fixing system for prefabricated cladding walls addresses specific challenges associated with the assembly and installation of energy-efficient retrofits for existing buildings. By utilizing vertical timber posts fixed at regular intervals, the system facilitates straightforward on-site assembly and adaptation. This innovative approach relies on timber-to-timber connections, which, combined with simple fasteners such as dowels, threaded rods, and screws, enhance tolerance during installation while also ensuring the reversibility of the retrofit intervention. This flexibility allows easy adjustments on-site, accommodating various conditions without compromising the retrofit’s performance. Ultimately, this fixing system streamlines the installation process, ensuring that the Renew-Wall prefab cladding can be efficiently and effectively integrated to improve the energy performance of existing buildings.

APPLICATION

The system has demonstrated its effectiveness in significantly reducing onsite installation times compared to traditional solutions for enhancing the energy efficiency of existing buildings. Currently in the process of being patented, the system’s potential application extends to market contexts beyond the ARV project. Although the fixing configuration adopted in the Povo Demo is based on a timber-to-timber approach, the metal-based alternative configurations tested during the trial are crucial to the proprietary process, expanding the system’s potential applications. The experience gained from implementing the fixing system in the Povo Demo has helped identify key areas for future research, aimed at further improving the system and ensuring an even broader impact and application.