PROJECT(_)SPACE_ BUILDING_ FUTURE

Status

part 1 and part 2 completed

Summary

Each profession obtains its specialist information from the relevant media and specialist journals, from information brochures and events organised by their interest groups and via direct contact and exchange of ideas with colleagues. This project aims to make use of these three levels of information dissemination. The goal is to disseminate the research findings of the Building of Tomorrowprogramme in the fields of architecture, planning, construction and companies in the building industry by means of two supplementary and interlocking tools and then to deliver the knowledge input based on the results in further discussions.

12 articles (part 1: 7 articles, part 2: 5 articles) were planned in the leading Austrian journal for architecture and construction. Thematically coordinated with these articles, it was intended to hold four chaired workshops in coooperation with the academy of the Austrian interest group of architects and engineering consultants. Further multiplicators were expected to be found among the above-mentioned target groups who will then contribute in their turn to the further dissemination of the results through direct exchanges of ideas within their professions.

The three main preliminary aims of the project are information, discussion and communication of the new research results in the relevant circles of decision makers against a background of promoting the use of already fully-developed and more energy-efficient technologies, ecological materials and sustainable construction methods.

Parallel to this 12 moderated workshops (part 1: 4 workshops, part 2: 8 workshops) have taken place at the Arch+Ing Akademie, Salzburger Institut für Raumordnung und Wohnen - SIR and Energie Tirol. In addition to comprehensive information communicated in talks, specialists working in the fields of architecture and construction had the possibility for critical reflection within the framework of the chaired workshops which was thematically coordinated with the series of articles.

Results and Conclusions

A total of 12 articles have appeared in the Architektur- und Bauforum journal. Parallel to this 12 moderated workshops have taken place. Both tools met with a very positive response.

The large number of those attending and very active participation in the discussion about the presented project confirms the demand for opportunities for an intensive examination of the subject within the profession. Mostly the central questions were about technical implementation and application as well as provisions under building law and the risks of liability. The participants expressed a great willingness to use sustainable technologies and construction methods. However, despite intensive efforts, there still appear to be gaps in the available information and the standard of knowledge among architects.

One central question was the cost difference to normal products and specifications as well as the amortisation period of investments. With products which have recently come onto the market there were inquiries about appropriate distribution partners.

With some projects, especially those about the use of sprayed cellulose fibre for interior insulation and vacuum insulation, it was regretted that in Austria the necessary approvals and certifications are still not in place. Seminar participants saw both products as very forward-looking in renovation.

There was great interest in the two pilot projects, the Clay Passive Officebuilding in Tattendorf and the S-House in Böheimkirchen. However, participants critically questioned their practical relevance - it can be assumed because production costs are currently still high.

Participants showed particular interest in products which make very aesthetic architectonic solutions possible such as coloured facade-integrated collectors and translucent PV modules. Yet another research and development potential could be seen here. Positive examples that in individual cases have already been realised are the production of PV dummies to enable uniform facade cladding, as used on the north side of the SOL4 project, individual products using sustainable raw materials, as used in the construction of the S-House and various prefabricated facade insulation systems.

There is also an evident demand to be met for a comprehensible, user-friendly evaluation and designation of ecological building products. Using the OI3-Index as orientation in the selection of products was seen by participants as too complicated and not helpful enough in their construction practice. Conceivable here is a comprehensive product catalogue - similar to catalogues manufacturers usually produce themselves for architects - in which all important information about individual products is clearly laid out (e.g. information about practical suitability, advantages and disadvantages, cost comparison, constructions details, building permission etc.)

The concrete wish was expressed for an "Eco/Energy Consultancy" - specially trained consultants who accompany the whole building process, act in an advisory capacity for all relevant decisions and who also partly take over local building inspection for building regulations.

The numerous enquiries from workshop participants about concrete construction and planning details lead to the conclusion that target-group specific documentation of the realised demonstration projects would meet with a very wide response. The individually very detailed project reports from the series "Berichte aus Energie- und Umweltforschung" ("Reports from Energy and Environmental Research") are not sufficiently geared to the concrete interests of the planners.

A publication or a planning folder is conceivable in which the relevant information about the individual demonstration projects is brought together for the target group of architects (overall concept, construction details, HVACR concept etc.), is clearly presented and adequately explained.

Project management

DI Dr. Edeltraud Haselsteiner, Wien

Project or cooperation partner

• Arch+Ing Akademie, Weiterbildungseinrichtung der Kammer der Architekten und Ingenieurkonsulenten, Wien
• Architektur- und Bauforum, Österreichischer Wirtschaftsverlag GmbH, Wien
• SIR- Salzburger Institut für Raumordnung & Wohnen
• Energie Tirol

DI Dr. Edeltraud Haselsteiner
Märzstrasse 158/20, A - 1140 Wien
Tel./Fax: +43 (1) 9834038
Mobil: +43 (699) 12698082
E-Mail: edeltraud.haselsteiner@aon.at