Timber and bio-based on-site construction/ renovation (modular – plug&play) during building operation

DESCRIPTION:

Development and demonstration of timber and bio-based modular renovation and construction solutions designed to minimise disruption during building operation. The approach combines prefabricated plug-and-play components, sustainable materials, and integrated monitoring systems to support low-carbon and circular renovation practices.

VALUE

The solution addresses several challenges linked to conventional renovation and construction processes, including long construction times, high embodied carbon emissions, occupant disruption, and construction waste. Traditional renovation works often require temporary relocation of occupants and involve resource-intensive onsite activities. Using prefabricated timber and bio-based plug-and-play systems allows for faster installation processes and reduces the impact of renovation works on occupants. The potential to integrate with monitoring system supports the evaluation of thermal comfort, energy use, and operational performance over time.
Renovated residential building in Povo district
Public multifunctional building in Piedicastello district

APPLICATION

In the Trento demo, prefabrication was applied on two case studies, namely the renovation of an existing residential building in the Povo district, and the construction of a new public building for multi-functional use, located in Piedicastello district. The demonstration building in Piedicastello was conceived as a replication model for other areas in the city, where the application of off-site construction could take advantage of the practices and approach tested in that case. Furthermore, the demonstration building has supported international knowledge exchange and capacity-building activities related to circular construction and renovation practices. In September 2025, the site was included in a circularity-focused educational initiative involving the University of Trento and a delegation from Tampere University within the CircBuild project. On the other hand, the innovative pre-fab kit used in Povo demonstrates how industrialised timber-based renovation systems can contribute to faster, lower-impact, and more user-centred building transformation processes. Potentially, this renovation approach is indicated for large-scale retrofitting processes, involving groups of buildings to streamline costs/time and maximize the multiple benefits derived from the use of this technology.

POTENTIAL IMPACT

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FUNDING:

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