A German startup is offering a new way for old buildings to potentially reach net-zero status: adding a prefabricated second skin.
Ecoworks begins the process with a 3D scan of an old building, both inside and out, creating a digital twin. The model is then sent to suppliers and a factory, where most of the second skin is prefabricated, including windows, ventilation, and channels for pipes.
The resulting new envelope includes a modular roof with built-in solar panels. Construction workers can install a facade panel at the site in 20 minutes. A full building conversion, including replacing fossil-fuel-powered heat, can be done in a few weeks.
Ecoworks uses AI to identify buildings best suited to its approach. Simple, block-like apartment complexes are top choices, but the company plans to expand to schools and single-family homes. It also has plans to offer its services in other countries.
Related Stories
Sustainability | Aug 30, 2016
New federal project plans must include climate impacts
Agencies must quantify the specific impacts when possible.
Energy Efficiency | Jun 13, 2016
The nation’s largest net zero-plus commercial building retrofit opens in L.A.
The goal of the Net Zero Plus Electrical Training Institute is for this structure to become a model for emergency operations centers for communities.
Green | Jun 9, 2016
SmithGroupJJR’s Brock Environmental Center converts rain into drinkable water
The education building generated 83% more energy than it consumed over the last year en route to earning Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification.
Shopping Centers | Jun 3, 2016
Developer Robinsons Land adds powerful PV arrays to 10 malls in the Philippines
The Robinsons Starmills mall in San Fernando recently turned on a 2.9 megawatt rooftop PV plant.
Green | Apr 27, 2016
Top 10 green building projects for 2016
The Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco and the West Branch of the Berkeley Public Library are two of the projects recognized by AIA COTE as the top green buildings of 2016.
Sponsored | Energy-Efficient Design | Mar 29, 2016
How long-term O&M combats complex climates
With the full O&M package, solar adopters are able to maximize return on investment, optimize system performance and minimize operating costs while controlling long-term costs.
Green | Feb 18, 2016
Best laid plans: Masdar City’s dreams of being the first net-zero city may have disappeared
The $22 billion experiment, to this point, has produced less than stellar results.
Energy-Efficient Design | Feb 18, 2016
How to make a ‘pure’ glass sphere
Creating a 25-story energy-generating globe for Expo 2017 in Kazakhstan put Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture to the test.
