PROJECTS

SCOPE

The lead promoter Silva & Ventura Lda., along with its copromotors (Amorim Isolamentos S.A. and ITeCons) and partner (Onyx Solar Energy S.L.), aims to develop a sustainable kit solution for façades which consists in a modular system that is able to perform multiple functions and present multiple configurations. The system will integrate the use of expanded cork (Insulation Cork Boards - ICB) and photovoltaic (PV) glass fastened to the support structure (wall) using an innovative fixing system which will allow the disuse of frame profiles, resulting in façades with an elegant appearance (slimframe). The promoter’s knowledge and capacities ensure that a new level of sophistication and innovation will be reached, well above that of the state of the art. The system will feature both architectural and technical integration advantages, measured by the level of concealment of the PV elements and wiring and the system’s physical behavior (thermal, mechanical, air and water tightness, etc.).

It is intended for this system to simultaneously exhibit low environmental impact insulation characteristics and hold passive and active solar energy usage capabilities. The main goal of the project is the development of a multifunctional wall system with optimum thermal behavior and energy efficiency, adequate for a number of different European climatic conditions and requirements. The main features of the system will be: (1) the use of amorphous silicon PV glass (efficient energy capture); (2) the use of the air circulating in the space between the PV glass and the insulation layer to better the indoor air quality and thermal comfort and reduce energy needs (passive cooling and heating); (3) the use of a hidden fixing interface (between the PV glass and the support structure) which is thermally broken and is able to contain the PV wiring system; (4) the application of an 100% natural and recyclable insulation product (expanded cork) with customizable 3D design, providing optimum thermal performance and innovative aesthetic characteristics; (5) the flexibility inherent to a system that is able to offer modules with different configurations - the finishing may be cork, glass or glass PV, depending on the application intended – and which may be applied in both new constructions and in existing buildings.

MAIN OBJECTIVE

Development of a sustainable facade solution that consists of a modular system with the capacity of combining multiple functions and present multiple configurations.

MAIN RESULTS

• Quick assembly system | The cable system allows for quick system alignment reducing system assembly time.
• Easy replacement of the glass | The glass fixing mechanism allows the replacement of glasses in an isolated way (without the need to remove neighboring glasses).
• The cork fastening system is included | The system is adaptable to different thicknesses of thermal insulation, allowing the desired thermal transmission coefficient to be obtained.
• The system is suitable for new construction and renovation projects
• 98 % of glazing area.
• The thermal bridges are negligible.
• The system is applicable to buildings up to 30 m in height | The system was dimensioned to offer resistance to regulatory wind actions for buildings with a height of up to 30 m.
• Installation of photovoltaic glazing | A 12 m2 system applied in the center region of Portugal can produce 685 kWh/year.
• Lower environmental impact | A point fixed glazing mechanism has fewer environmental impacts when compared to a conventional system.