In the research project, an innovative room module system for multi-storey buildings is being developed to market maturity. The focus is on sustainable construction with resource-conserving raw materials and a recyclable construction process from planning to production, assembly and dismantling. The system consists of a primary supporting structure made of reinforced concrete and a secondary supporting structure made of wooden modules (“EcoBoxes”), which are pushed into a shelving system. The project is designed as a BIM project, with proof of sustainability through Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) calculations.

• How can a reference process model for prefabrication and logistics be developed on the basis of lean principles and modular approaches?
• How can construction and logistics processes be modeled and linked to sustainability indicators?
• To what extent do parameters such as geometry, weight and installation sequence influence the control of prefabrication and logistics processes?
• How can means of transportation and logistics concepts be optimally defined and implemented?
• How can BIM be used to define processes for planning, prefabrication, logistics, construction and dismantling in order to return materials to cycles and optimize sustainability?
• How can moisture, thermal and sound insulation in modular timber construction be investigated and optimized in real terms?
• Which sustainable heating, ventilation and cooling systems are the most efficient and resource-saving for modular timber construction?

Logistics:

Investigation of the prefabrication of standard elements with a focus on modularity and sustainability. Production and logistics processes are analyzed and key figures for process evaluation are defined. Material flow and provisioning concepts (just-in-time/sequence) are validated in the real laboratory.

BIM:

Development of building data models to simulate climate engineering and life cycle assessments. Data covers the entire life cycle, with a focus on CO2 reduction and material recycling.

Building physics:

Investigation of moisture influences, thermal bridges and sound insulation. Analyses are carried out on modules and façade elements as well as through preliminary tests and mock-ups.

Climate systems:

Investigation of efficient heating and cooling systems such as monosplit systems and infrared heaters, with tests on comfort and energy efficiency on real modules.

Logistics:

• Efficient, standardized modules/assemblies.
• Reference process model with key figures.
• Validated material flow and provisioning concepts.

BIM:

• BIM goals and use cases for sustainable construction.
• CO2 reduction and material recycling concepts.
   

Building physics:

• Optimized façade elements and building physics for moisture, thermal and sound insulation.
• Validated sound transmission models.

Climate systems:

• Suitable heating and cooling systems for modular timber construction, optimized in practical tests