Bolzano (BZ)
Energy retrofit of two residential buildings
Client
Municipality of BolzanoYear
2015Collaborators
Arch. Alberto SassoStudio Mellano associati
Studio ARCH+MORE
Eqingegneria
Ing. Giuseppe Glionna
Arch. Alberto Olivotto
COMPLETED PROJECT
FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY
Energy redevelopment of a residential complex in Bolzano.
First example of the use of prefabricated wooden façades, Plug&Play system.
This is a novelty in Italy. Abroad, however, it is a well-established technology that promises to revolutionise the existing market. We are talking about plug&play façades: efficient, prefabricated envelopes that “cling” to the outside of an existing building, are recyclable and modify not only its appearance but also its performance. They also allow the installation of systems that would otherwise be difficult to integrate. One of the first cases in our country is in Bolzano and concerns the Passeggiata dei Castani complex. The experiment (launched in 2015) was developed as part of the European Sinfonia project, in which the South Tyrolean city participates – together with Innsbruck – as a pilot area. The initiative involves 23 partners from the Community and aims to transform cities into organisms with a lower environmental impact. The property undergoing transformation comprises 72 dwellings, with a gross surface area of 7,100 square metres. The work is nearing completion (it is one of the case studies presented at the Klimahouse 2019 conference) and has involved a pool of professionals, companies and research partners with different skills.
The challenge was considerable. Although relatively new (1998), the building had a somewhat turbulent construction history, with two bankruptcies behind it and poor structural quality. ‘We were asked to carry out a very “aggressive” energy upgrade on a residential complex,’ explains architect Manuel Benedikter. The tender specifically required the use of renewable sources for 80% of the heating and domestic hot water requirements. This was no easy task, considering that the building is located on a mountainside and receives very little sunlight in winter. Despite carrying out 15 simulations, finding the right balance between renewable and non-renewable energy sources was a design challenge."
First example of the use of prefabricated wooden façades, Plug&Play system.
This is a novelty in Italy. Abroad, however, it is a well-established technology that promises to revolutionise the existing market. We are talking about plug&play façades: efficient, prefabricated envelopes that “cling” to the outside of an existing building, are recyclable and modify not only its appearance but also its performance. They also allow the installation of systems that would otherwise be difficult to integrate. One of the first cases in our country is in Bolzano and concerns the Passeggiata dei Castani complex. The experiment (launched in 2015) was developed as part of the European Sinfonia project, in which the South Tyrolean city participates – together with Innsbruck – as a pilot area. The initiative involves 23 partners from the Community and aims to transform cities into organisms with a lower environmental impact. The property undergoing transformation comprises 72 dwellings, with a gross surface area of 7,100 square metres. The work is nearing completion (it is one of the case studies presented at the Klimahouse 2019 conference) and has involved a pool of professionals, companies and research partners with different skills.
The challenge was considerable. Although relatively new (1998), the building had a somewhat turbulent construction history, with two bankruptcies behind it and poor structural quality. ‘We were asked to carry out a very “aggressive” energy upgrade on a residential complex,’ explains architect Manuel Benedikter. The tender specifically required the use of renewable sources for 80% of the heating and domestic hot water requirements. This was no easy task, considering that the building is located on a mountainside and receives very little sunlight in winter. Despite carrying out 15 simulations, finding the right balance between renewable and non-renewable energy sources was a design challenge."
CONCEPT
Core of the project was the inclusion of a prefabricated wooden façade with an innovative insulation and ventilation system. ‘We introduced a major innovation, certainly the first in Trentino-Alto Adige as Sinfonia, but I believe the only one in Italy,’ continues the architect. In Austria, on the other hand, projects of this type began fifteen years ago." The façade was quick to install and guarantees high thermal insulation with a perfectly recyclable aluminium sheet cladding. The colour is guaranteed to last for 40 years.
Limitations of the technology: high cost, with the same thermal performance. However, the gap narrows when considering the speed of installation in addition to the life cycle of the project. ‘Facades of this type are long-lasting, require less maintenance and do not pose disposal problems.’ Every single piece can be dismantled. Everything is recyclable, from the wood to the insulation, from the chemical slab to the structural seal, to the battens that support the ventilated facade. Studies in Germany confirm that the disposal of external insulation systems is costly and complicated. ‘Finally, there is another major advantage,’ adds Manuel Benedikter, ‘namely the mechanical durability of the ventilated façade over time. The insulating material is protected from the elements and is not exposed to solar radiation. The aluminium-clad façade acts as a shield. It also incorporates technology. Even the building's summer cycle works better than traditional technology.’
Limitations of the technology: high cost, with the same thermal performance. However, the gap narrows when considering the speed of installation in addition to the life cycle of the project. ‘Facades of this type are long-lasting, require less maintenance and do not pose disposal problems.’ Every single piece can be dismantled. Everything is recyclable, from the wood to the insulation, from the chemical slab to the structural seal, to the battens that support the ventilated facade. Studies in Germany confirm that the disposal of external insulation systems is costly and complicated. ‘Finally, there is another major advantage,’ adds Manuel Benedikter, ‘namely the mechanical durability of the ventilated façade over time. The insulating material is protected from the elements and is not exposed to solar radiation. The aluminium-clad façade acts as a shield. It also incorporates technology. Even the building's summer cycle works better than traditional technology.’
Press & Media
2021. 03 - SInfonia - passeggiata dei castagni - The Plan
2019. 01 - Sinfonia Asiago - Casa Naturale
2019. 01 - Sinfonia - CasaClima
2018. 03 - Project Sinfonia
SINFONIA Bolzano/Bozen - Low Carbon Cities for Better Living (EN)
TRIPLE WOOD
