Title: Lightweight and prefabricated construction as a path to energy efficient buildings: thermal design and execution challenges

Authors: Eduardo Roque; Rui Oliveira; Ricardo M.S.F. Almeida; Romeu Vicente; António Figueiredo

Addresses: RISCO – Civil Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal ' RISCO – Civil Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal ' Department of Civil Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; CONSTRUCT-LFC, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal ' RISCO – Civil Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal ' RISCO – Civil Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

Abstract: Massive construction solutions have always been associated with better thermal performance and more suited to easily comply with different performance and construction code criteria. However, lightweight construction systems have the potential to achieve clear benefits over traditional heavyweight construction. Two case studies were presented, combining lightweight construction systems and passive house concept, with the goals of energy efficiency and thermal comfort. The results highlight the advantages both from an economical and environmental perspective. Some drawbacks of lightweight building solutions have been pointed out: low thermal inertia, overheating, airtightness, thermal bridging, moisture transfer, shading control, etc. A new wall solution incorporating phase change materials was tested and thermally characterised. This solution could be applied in lightweight constructions, enhancing their energy efficiency and thermal inertia, further promoting the sustainability of these building solutions. All these issues have been addressable in the design stage and considered in the latest developments on lightweight construction systems.

Keywords: lightweight construction; energy efficiency; light steel frame; passive house; innovative materials and components; phase change materials; PCMs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2020.105465

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2020 Vol.19 No.1, pp.1 - 32

Received: 14 Jan 2019
Accepted: 01 Mar 2019
Published online: 02 Mar 2020 *

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