'Renew-wall' pre-fabricated modules for renovation of existing buildings

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‘Renew-wall’ pre-fabricated modules for renovation of existing buildings

Products/Technical solution, Technologies and Building systems

DESCRIPTION:

Renew-Wall, developed in 2017 by wood manufacturer Fanti Legnami, is an innovative prefabricated timber façade system designed for easy, scaffold-free installation on existing residential buildings. Combining insulation, customizable finishes, and integration of windows and systems, it enhances both energy performance and aesthetics. Its first real-world application took place on an inhabited apartment building in Trento as part of the ARV project, where Renew-Wall was installed on two facades, with traditional insulation (ETICS) used on the rest—allowing direct comparison. Equipped with sensors, the building enables detailed monitoring of thermal transmittance, temperature, and humidity across different material layers. This side-by-side evaluation offers valuable insights into the benefits of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) solutions like Renew-Wall, including energy efficiency, installation speed, cost, and environmental impact, compared to conventional methods.

BUSINESS ROUTE

Target Users

Constructors, Landlords, Real-estate developers, Research community, Social, public and cooperative housing providers, Tenants

LICENSES

European Technical Assessment (ETA)

The European Technical Assessment (ETA) is a voluntary document released for construction products (i.e., innovative, non standardized products) which are not linked to existing harmonized/standardized regulations (EN). The manufacturers can ask for an ETA to so-called Technical Assessment Bodies, which defines the test and assessment methods for the concerned product based on a European Assessment Document (EAD).

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Trento, Italy

Continental

Resource Efficient (Pre) Manufacturing & Construction Workflows

VALUE

Wood-based prefabricated solutions offer fast, efficient, and low-impact alternatives to traditional construction, with precisely engineered components that are assembled on-site—cutting down on time, disruption, noise, and dust. Factory-finished panels further streamline costs and timelines. This approach aligns with the EU’s Renovation Wave and the updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), both of which aim to accelerate residential retrofits, boost energy efficiency, and drive the transition toward zero-emission buildings—making wood-based Modern Methods of Construction (MMCs) a key contributor to Europe’s decarbonization goals.

APPLICATION

Its first real-world application took place on an inhabited apartment building in Trento as part of the ARV project, where Renew-Wall was installed on two facades, with traditional insulation (ETICS) used on the rest—allowing direct comparison. The Renew Wall technology can be potentially scaled and applied through a combination of research and commercial efforts. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in small pilot projects so far, such as the residential retrofit in the Trento demo, but highlighting its potential for large-scale applications. The modular design, quick installation without scaffolding, and customizable features make it suitable for a wide range of buildings and project needs. This innovation could be particularly ideal for public and social housing projects, as it enables neighbourhood regeneration through large scale retrofitting, enhances living conditions, and promotes sustainability in underserved areas. Beyond technical validation, successful scaling depends on building trust and adoption among clients and stakeholders. Furthermore, larger-scale implementation could allow for reduced manufacturing costs, thus resulting in a win-win scenario for both the manufacturers and the end-users.