For the translucent façade system, a lightweight double-walled membrane structure filled with Aerogel granulate is mounted onto a robot-manufactured timber frame. The geometric flexibility enables a new aesthetic. Thanks to the innovative blowing-in technique developed by AGITEC / AGI AG für Isolierungen, the Aerogel granulate can be processed with high efficiency.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
AGITEC AG has been involved in the insulation of countless projects using a wide range of innovative AEROGEL applications.Thanks to the experience gained, we have become an important partner in national and international research projects.
SimplyNano
SimplyNano 2 project in Northwestern Switzerland (BL, BS, SO)
Starting in the 2022/23 school year, a total of 900 “SimplyNano 2” experiment kits will be made available to all secondary schools in the cantons of Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, and Solothurn, along with professional development courses for teachers. These courses are held, among other places, at company premises. This project delivers exciting content and builds a “bridge” between businesses and schools. The kits and training courses are provided free of charge to the schools.
The project is funded by a broad coalition of companies, associations, foundations, and the cantonal lottery funds (see project partners). The “SimplyNano 2” experiment kits are already in use at all secondary schools in five cantons (AG, AI, AR, SG, ZH). With their introduction in the cantons of Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, and Solothurn, all secondary schools in the Northwestern Switzerland education region will be covered.
More information: www.simplynano.ch
DFAB HOUSE in Dübendorf, Switzerland
DFAB HOUSE in Dübendorf, Switzerland: TRANSLUCENT LIGHTWEIGHT FAÇADE
Translucent façade systems have long been an architectural aspiration, enabling interiors flooded with natural daylight. They are particularly well-suited for lightweight façades with a minimal external load-bearing structure.
AGI/AGITEC was part of the DFAB HOUSE project
AGI/AGITEC is proud to have contributed to the DFAB HOUSE project and thanks all partners for the exciting collaboration. On 28 February 2019, the world’s first inhabited “house” that was not only digitally designed but also largely digitally built – using robots and 3D printers – was inaugurated on the NEST building of Empa in Dübendorf. The construction technologies were developed by ETH Zurich researchers in cooperation with industry partners.
AGI applied Aerogel granulate into translucent lightweight façade elements using a special process. This wall structure fills the interiors with natural light, creating a connection to the surrounding environment. The use of Aerogel also provides the most efficient way to achieve high-performance thermal insulation in a lightweight system.
To improve the façade’s thermal insulation without increasing wall thickness, a new material processing method was developed. This allows for a high packing density of Aerogel particles by taking advantage of the low stiffness of the transparent high-performance membranes used. The process involves cycles in which the cavity is initially overfilled with Aerogel granulate while regulating air pressure inside to prevent plastic deformation of the membranes. Each cycle also includes a step where compressive loads are applied to the granulate mass via cable-induced external prestressing. This creates the desired irreversible compaction of the granulate. Combining these strategies results in a versatile approach adaptable to a wide range of translucent lightweight façades.
More information: www.dfabhouse.ch
At the DFAB HOUSE on the Empa campus in Dübendorf, staff from eight ETH Zurich professorships, together with industry experts and planning specialists, are researching and testing the digital fabrication of future building components.
The two membranes are clamped between an inner and an outer metal structure. The Aerogel granulate introduced into the cavity is compacted and stabilised using a special process.
Steel wires on the outside of the system are used to compress the Aerogel granulate and prevent excessive bulging of the membrane.
Wall.ACE: European research project for building materials optimised with Aerogel granulate
In this research project, funded by the “European Commission / Directorate-General for Research and Innovation,” the advantages of Aerogel granulates are to be combined with the properties of already proven building materials for five different applications. In addition to cost optimisation, the new product developments will incorporate aspects such as high-performance thermal insulation, comfort, indoor air quality, fire protection, and sustainability.
The aim of this research project is to develop an optimised exterior and interior insulation plaster, a thermal coating for interior wall surfaces, a thermally insulating crack filler, and a high-performance insulating brick. For all five products, the existing Aerogel granulate KWARK will be further developed.
AGITEC AG is a partner in this European research project and is supported by the SBFI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation). It will define the suitable material properties and organise opportunities for field trials.
More information: www.wall-ace.eu / YouTube video: Wall-ACE project presentation
In one of the four INCAS research houses at the research centre in Le Bourget du Lac, France, the developed products will undergo scientific evaluation.
Naturally, the developed products are also intended to be applicable using existing processing methods. The goal is the successful market launch of the developed products.
Hohlstrasse 100 in Zurich: Innovative Building Envelope Renovation
In energy-efficient renovations, especially of buildings in urban areas, special requirements must be met in terms of density, energy efficiency, noise protection, and operational optimisation. Maintaining good indoor air quality and the tendency for highly insulated buildings to overheat often lead to the subsequent and costly installation of a controlled ventilation system.
At Hohlstrasse 100 in Zurich, a six-storey building from the 1930s and a commercial building in the courtyard from 1904 were repurposed and energetically upgraded through various innovative renovation measures. Architect Dietrich Schwarz installed vacuum insulating glass, heat pumps, and a photovoltaic system.
The prefabricated, thin wooden façade elements were insulated with Aerogel, and the end faces of the wooden profiles were additionally fitted with Aerogel mats. This wall structure, only 14 cm thick including the cladding, maximises the usable interior space.
Press report: www.presseportal.ch
Thanks to the ultra-slim Aerogel façade, an additional 3.5% of living space was gained, making it possible to create four extra studio apartments.
This project was awarded the prestigious Swiss Energy Prize Watt d'Or in 2018 in the “Buildings and Space” category.
Innovative Single-Family Home: Vacuum Insulated Glazing and Bonded Timber Elements Insulated with Aerogel Panels
Triple-glazed insulating glass units have been steadily improved in recent years. A significant leap in performance can be achieved with vacuum insulated glazing. New façade insulation elements filled with Aerogel allow for the maximization of usable floor space, which pays off especially where building land is expensive.
As part of a pilot and demonstration program, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy supported the construction of a single-family home featuring an innovative building envelope. Five regional SMEs, together with “Energie Impulse” of the Basel-Stadt Trade Association, developed a novel sliding window with vacuum glass and ultra-slim timber walls filled with Aerogel panels.
The particularly thin façade elements were prefabricated in the factory. To prevent thermal bridges caused by metal screws, the timber elements were assembled using adhesive only.
Media report: www.schwarz-architekten.com
Unlike conventional triple glazing, the cavity between the two panes is only 2 mm thick and is vacuum-sealed. Small glass pillars support the panes against external pressure. As a result, the glazing unit provides better insulation while being significantly lighter.
The timber elements consist of wooden panels on both sides, supported in the middle by wooden ribs.