At a time when the financial crisis takes up all communication space – not least in the world of architecture – news about major product inventions is both very rare and very welcome. Yet that is the reality of a project undertaken by Arkitema Architects together with two major players in the Danish concrete industry, Confac and Contec. The project has been supported both by a grant from the state foundation for innovation in the building sector and the Danish Realdania foundation and with the Technical University of Denmark as knowledge partner. The project defies the financial crisis, creating a new building system through cross disciplinary innovation – a building system that has the potential to change the market for pre cast concrete elements and at the same time reduce the energy consumption of new building considerably. Through its light weight and integrated insulation the building system will more than live up to present and future energy demands.
Modern Times – Modern Building Systems
Even though concrete elements are a central part of most modern new building – and have been for the past many years they haven’t seen much innovation or product development. New knowledge about production processes, materials science or aesthetic qualities of various technical solutions have not been put to use in the past. A group of visionary companies with expertise in these fields have decided to change all that. At the same time the construction business right now experiences a slump where new developments can contribute to ensure growth – not just for the companies taking part in the project – but also for the business as such. Pre fabrication of this new light weight system could mean both a more efficient and a more sustainable industry – important factors in this very competitive field that is characterized by fierce competition both nationally and internationally – with a specific focus on sustainability.
Reduction of thickness, reduction of energy consumption – sustainable compact elements
In the latest few years the development of energy demands in the construction sector and the focus on sustainability and industrialized construction has created a clear demand for new product developments in the concrete business – especially in the field of pre cast elements.
The ambitions of the project are high. The goal is to create radical innovation within the following areas: Surfaces of the same quality as natural stone, insulation, weight, joints, interface with and integration of installations – thus the goal is to meet the various demands on a modular building system from end user, architect, engineer, builder and workman alike.
It will be possible to use the new building system for new construction, but it is also highly relevant for energy optimised renovation of existing buildings, e.g. government supported housing where presently the thickness of the outer walls is constantly increased in order to meet the ever stricter energy demands – instead it will be possible with the new system to minimize wall thickness while at the same time increasing the insulation effect.
High strength concrete summerhouse on the island of Samsoe
Together Arkitema Architects, Confac and Contec have received 3.7 mio DKK from the innovation foundation towards the development of the new building system – the second largest grant in the history of the foundation. Apart from developing the system itself Arkitema Architects have designed a summerhouse to showcase the potential of modern high strength concrete. An experimental building financed by the project partners themselves and planned to be finished this fall. The house is made up of three foldings in high strength concrete. Three frameworks for living, where concrete doubles as both primary load bearing material for walls and roof as well as interior surface for fire place and kitchen table. In this elegant fashion the versatility of the new material is showcased in a most spectacular manner.
Arkitema Prefab
The project managers Arkitema Architects have had a dedicated department for innovation in the pre fab building system sector since 2007. The project described here is one of many research and development projects undertaken by the young department – all carried out in close collaboration with suppliers to the construction business.
Contec
Contec is a leading supplier of high strength concrete and a specialist in unique concrete surfaces.
Confac
Confac is a relatively young and advanced concrete element producer focusing on innovation and new and improved methods of production.
The Danish Technical University (DTU) functions as knowledge partner for the concrete element project.
For further information please contact:
Arkitema Architects: Karsten Bro E: kbr@arkitema.dk M: 22642285
Confac: Erling Holm E: erling@confac.dk M: 41908201
Contec: Bo Serwin E: bs@contec-aps.dk M: 40185185