I-BEST: redevelopment of existing buildings with eco-compatible modular systems
L’building envelope, over time, it has undergone a gradual and irreversible evolution from the simpler models of primitive settlement, up to the definition of new construction systems brought to a high level of architectural-technological detail. This aspect is in perfect harmony with the need, more and more growing, to renovate the existing building stock, recovering and updating modern housing standards. The evolved envelope is thus configured as an element to be designed in an organic way and not according to the exploitation of a specific performance of a single material or a single technology, in a way detached from the territorial and climatic context
The I-BEST technological system
In line with these needs, the University of Calabria and the companies Italbacolor srl and Vega Energia srl, have decided to investigate these aspects by defining and developing an innovative eco-friendly multifunction facade system from the acronym I-BEST “Innovative Building Envelop through Smart Technology "for the redevelopment of the existing building stock.
Technology I-BEST it consists of a system of modular and multifunctional panels, supported by a metal and light supporting structure that anchors to the existing building, so as not to structurally burden it, and distances itself from it, in order to generate a gap capable of containing and hiding the plant channels, remaining physically independent of the existing envelope.
The panels are modular, that is, they have standardized dimensions according to the formal characters that are typically repeated on the facades of the various building types, and multi-functional, so long as, according to the needs of the building, urban surroundings and the reference climatic context, they can perform diversified functions, Which:
- improve the aesthetic quality of the building, by means of customized coatings with chromatic variations, silk-screen printing, engraving and the like;
- improve the thermal transmittance of the building envelope and reduce heat flows, by inserting insulating materials;
- improve the sound insulation capacity, thanks to greater absorption of sound waves;
- improve the urban microclimate, reduce urban heat islands and the phenomenon of flooding in urban areas, through the use of vegetated elements;
- regulate luminous fluxes and reduce thermal loads, through the use of adjustable shielding elements;
- make the building envelope active, through the use of photovoltaic panels and thermal solar panels.
Bonus facades
The long views of the I-BEST project, which has favored the development of an advanced idea that has become technology, materialize in the inclusion of the facades bonus among the measures of the maneuver 2020 launched by the Council of Ministers on the night of 15 October 2019. This bonus includes a deduction of 90% for the renovation of the external facades of the house or condominium, in the historic center or outskirts, in large cities or small municipalities.
Main references
- Progetto I-BEST – launch event, from Centro Studi Smart City (link)
- Recovery and redevelopment of existing buildings through the use of eco-compatible modular systems: the I-BEST project (pdf)
- Info on bonus facades (link)
