Industrialised Deep Renovation (IDR) Hub

Abstract

Reno-Hub is a comprehensive digital platform developed by EURAC Research that focuses on Industrialised Deep Renovation (IDR) - an innovative approach to upgrade existing buildings by combining deep renovation principles with industrialised construction methods. The platform serves as a knowledge hub and collaborative space for energy-efficient building renovation, featuring prefabricated retrofit solutions, business models, and case studies that demonstrate substantial energy performance improvements. Reno-Hub supports the European Union's ambitious climate neutrality goals by providing stakeholders with access to robust, cost-effective renovation packages that target 60-75% energy consumption reductions while minimizing construction time and tenant disruption through digital-aided offsite manufacturing of building components.

Introduction

The European building renovation sector faces unprecedented challenges in achieving the EU's climate neutrality goals while addressing a rapidly aging building stock. With the annual amount of deep renovations in the EU28 at only around 0.2%, there is an urgent need for innovative approaches that can accelerate renovation rates while ensuring quality, affordability, and minimal disruption. Reno-Hub emerges as EURAC Research's response to these challenges, combining cutting-edge research with practical implementation strategies.

The Challenge of Deep Renovation

Traditional renovation approaches often fall short of the EU's ambitious energy reduction targets, which require: - 75% or more energy reductions compared to existing building status - Primary energy consumption below 60 kWh/m²/yr after renovation - Addressing essential building elements including wall insulation, thermal bridge treatment, and comprehensive building envelope improvements

Industrialised Deep Renovation (IDR): A Paradigm Shift

Reno-Hub champions Industrialised Deep Renovation, which revolutionizes the renovation process through:

Core Principles

Deep Renovation Focus: Targeting substantial energy performance improvements beyond conventional "light" renovation practices
Industrialised Methods: Digital-aided offsite manufacturing of building components in controlled factory environments
Quality Assurance: High precision manufacturing with minimal defects and consistent performance
Speed and Efficiency: Significantly reduced on-site construction time and tenant disruption

Key Technologies and Approaches

Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA): Buildings designed specifically for off-site production and efficient on-site assembly
Prefabrication: Manufacturing building components like walls, roof panels, and complete modules off-site
Modular Systems: Standardized components that can be customized for specific building requirements
Digital Integration: Advanced planning and coordination tools that optimize the entire renovation process

Platform Objectives

Reno-Hub serves as a central resource for multiple stakeholder groups, addressing the complex ecosystem of building renovation through:

The platform functions as a collaborative environment where renovation professionals, researchers, building owners, and technology providers can share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions.

Technology Showcase

Reno-Hub features real-world examples of successful IDR implementations, demonstrating proven technologies and their performance outcomes across different building types and climatic conditions.

Business Model Innovation

The platform addresses the economic challenges of deep renovation by showcasing viable business models that make IDR financially attractive to building owners, investors, and renovation service providers.

User Guide

1. Understanding Industrialised Deep Renovation

Getting Started with IDR Concepts New users should begin with the fundamental education section that explains: - What constitutes deep renovation versus conventional renovation - How industrialised methods transform the renovation process - Expected performance outcomes and energy savings - Timeline and cost implications compared to traditional approaches

Assessment and Planning The platform guides users through the critical first step of IDR: - Building Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of existing building conditions, owner requirements, and constraints - Opportunity Identification: Systematic identification of energy efficiency opportunities - DfMA Integration: Incorporating Design for Manufacture and Assembly principles from the planning stage

2. Exploring Prefabricated Solutions

Component Categories Users can explore various prefabricated renovation components:

Simple Wall Panels: Basic insulated wall systems for exterior envelope improvements
Complex Modules: Advanced modules including insulation, windows, finishes, and pre-installed building services
Façade Systems: Complete façade solutions that can include active components like photovoltaic panels
Roof Components: Prefabricated roof panels with integrated insulation and weatherproofing
Mechanical Systems: Plug-and-play mechanical components for heating, cooling, and ventilation

Technology Integration The platform showcases how different components can be combined: - Modular Prefabricated Façades: Base systems that can be customized with various technological additions - Ventilation Systems: Decentralized systems with heat exchangers for energy recovery - Renewable Energy Integration: Solar thermal and photovoltaic panels integrated into prefabricated components - Smart Controls: Energy hubs and building management systems for optimal performance

3. Case Studies and Performance Data

Real-World Examples Reno-Hub features detailed case studies demonstrating successful IDR implementations:

Bellpuig, Spain - 15-Apartment Building - Installation Time: Only 2 days for prefabricated panel anchoring - Total Renovation Time: 1 month (50% reduction compared to conventional renovation) - Energy Performance: 60% reduction in primary energy demand - Tenant Impact: Residents remained in their homes throughout renovation

Oslo and Soest Projects - Minimal Disruption: Tenants did not need to relocate during renovation - Technology Integration: Combined façade systems with ventilation and renewable energy components - Performance Monitoring: Continuous monitoring systems for ongoing optimization

4. Business Models and Financial Frameworks

Investment Strategies The platform provides guidance on various business models:

Add-on Models: Construction of additional building units (extensions, rooftop additions) that generate revenue to offset renovation costs
Shared Cost Models: Cost distribution among solution providers, contractors, and property developers
Performance-Based Contracts: Payment structures based on achieved energy savings
Community Models: Collaborative approaches for multi-building renovation projects

Financial Benefits Users can explore the economic advantages: - Reduced Life Cycle Costs: 15% reduction compared to typical renovation over 30 years - Increased Property Value: Enhanced asset value through improved energy performance - Operational Savings: Reduced utility bills and maintenance costs - Revenue Generation: Potential income from additional dwelling units or energy production

5. Implementation Management

Process Optimization The platform provides tools and methodologies for:

Project Timeline Management: Streamlined processes that reduce renovation time by 50%
Quality Control: Factory-controlled manufacturing ensuring consistent quality
Risk Management: Minimized failure risks through standardized processes and proven technologies
Stakeholder Coordination: Improved information flow and knowledge sharing among project participants

Performance Monitoring and Verification - Continuous Monitoring: Systems for ongoing performance assessment - Mobile Applications: Tools for tenants to monitor and control their energy consumption - Optimization Strategies: Data-driven approaches for maintaining peak performance - Long-term Planning: Strategies for postponing future major renovations through proper maintenance

Target Users and Applications

Building Owners and Property Managers

Access to proven renovation strategies that minimize tenant disruption
Financial models that demonstrate return on investment
Technology options suitable for different building types and budgets
Performance guarantees and quality assurance protocols

Renovation Professionals and Contractors

Technical specifications for prefabricated components
Installation guidelines and best practices
Training resources for new technologies and methods
Business model frameworks for service delivery

Technology Providers and Manufacturers

Platform for showcasing innovative renovation solutions
Case studies demonstrating real-world performance
Collaboration opportunities with other industry stakeholders
Market feedback and development insights

Researchers and Academics

Access to performance data and case study results
Collaboration opportunities for further research and development
Validation data for new technologies and approaches
Policy and regulatory insights

Policy Makers and Funding Organizations

Evidence base for policy development and funding decisions
Success stories demonstrating scalable solutions
Economic impact analysis and market transformation potential
Regulatory framework recommendations

Getting Started

Explore IDR Fundamentals: Begin with the educational resources to understand industrialised deep renovation concepts
Review Case Studies: Examine real-world examples relevant to your building type or geographic region
Assess Technology Options: Evaluate prefabricated components and integrated systems suitable for your project
Consider Business Models: Explore financial frameworks and implementation strategies
Connect with Community: Engage with other platform users and renovation professionals
Plan Implementation: Use platform resources to develop your renovation strategy

Reno-Hub supports the European Union's goal of transforming the building sector toward climate neutrality by providing accessible, proven solutions for industrialised deep renovation that deliver substantial energy savings while maintaining affordability and minimizing disruption.