Technical description of the ENSNARE project
The ENSNARE European Project is a project framed within the H2020 research and innovation programme of the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 958445.
The ENSNARE project is aimed at promoting the renovation of building envelopes, mainly residential, through the integration of advanced technologies, with the aim of achieving a stock of nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEB) in Europe, in addition to the decarbonisation of the sector.
To achieve this objective, the Project addresses the problem from two closely interconnected approaches: on the one hand, through an enveloping mesh, consisting of a modular façade system capable of integrating different solar capture technologies depending on the demand needs of each building, and on the other, by using a digital platform that establishes communication between all the components of the building.
One of the main objectives of the project is to design, develop and validate a fully industrialized envelope solution capable of mechanically assembling and interconnecting all its components in a functionally compatible way, while ensuring a high degree of flexibility to adapt to the characteristics and needs of any residential building, guaranteeing rapid and efficient manufacturing and implementation.
Therefore, this solution comprises a physical support that supports all the construction components and allows their interconnection at all levels, constructively, energetically and functionally.
The ENSNARE system must be flexible enough to adapt to different types of façades, while allowing the combination of different technologies, seeking to incorporate a significant number of interconnected active technologies and, therefore, enabling the adoption of large-scale renewable energy solutions as part of façade rehabilitation interventions.
Description of the ENSNARE facade solution
The new envelope consists of a Industrialized aluminum system, totally modular, which is superimposed on the existing building, in front of its current façade. The system is made up of two main layers, an interior one closer to the existing enclosure, and a technological exterior one, made up of different panels attached to the first.
The inner layer contains the structural aluminum profiles, which are the main frame of the module, the insulation and the waterproof membrane. This inner layer generates a new skin on the building and provides the Main features of a conventional facade,
The technological outer layer which is the one that provides innovative functionality, Integrate different technologies for the capture of renewable energy, is made up of a series of independent panels attached to the main structure (inner layer) by means of secondary profiles. Considering each panel as an independent element within the outer layer of the module facilitates replacement and maintenance tasks. It is a interchangeable outer covering, according to a plug&play concept, designed to incorporate active technologies, such as photovoltaics, thermal and hybrid solar panels, but which can also include different final finishing materials.
Within the external technological layer, the following are conceived: registration areas as a key element. These areas are accessible panels that allow access to specific areas where the main services associated with solar technologies are integrated, such as pipes, valves, wiring, control elements, monitoring and security.
Likewise, the modular system incorporates the solution of the façade gap through the integration of a active window system. This complementary component is supported by the inner layer, aligning itself with the waterproof membrane and the insulation layer to ensure the tightness and correct thermal behaviour of the assembly. The window incorporates a intelligent ventilation system decentralized with heat recovery unit for the renewal of air in the space it serves.
External collaborations.
Within the Ensnare project, Riventi is the coordinator of the WP5 package, responsible for the development of the modular and industrialized envelope system.
Several companies, technology centres and universities from all over Europe are participating in the project.
Within the WP5 package, and therefore collaborating in the development of the solution, there is mainly:
• Tecnalia, the Basque Country's Technological Research and Development Centre and a European benchmark in the research and evaluation of façade construction systems. He has led the evaluation task through laboratory tests of the different prototypes and the monitoring for the evaluation of the solution's performance in the different pilot buildings.
• ENAR, Facade engineering and consultancy. Support in the development and evaluation of system performance through software calculations in both the structural area and in hygrothermal behavior.
• Trespa, manufacturer of HPL boards, support in the study of integration of insulation and waterproofing solutions for façade modules.
In addition, there are two technology manufacturing partners with whom it has been necessary to coordinate for the evaluation and integration of the different panels into the system. These companies are:
• Onyx Solar, manufacturer of photovoltaic glass for buildings and leaders of the WP6 package
• Camel Solar, manufacturer of solar thermal solutions for capturing energy in buildings.
Finally, the Delft University of Technology (TUDelft) They have also collaborated in certain tasks related to the standardization of the generated system, for the creation of a library or catalog of solutions. Technical University of Munich (TUM) has developed a series of digital tools for the automation of data acquisition of the existing building, façade configurations and the generation of data for the manufacturing process.
Both centres are respectively leaders of the WP1 package (Platform for technological integration through industrialisation) and WP2 (Creation of data acquisition modules) within the ENSNARE project.
Results
In May 2023, Burgos hosted the 5th General Assembly of the European ENSNARE Project. Riventi hosted the meeting, which reviewed the latest advances in the manufacture of industrialised façade modules for the first of the pilot buildings. This meeting was attended by all the project partners as well as an advisory board made up of experts in the different subjects who were able to review, assess and provide their comments and corrections to the proposed system solution.
• Shady Attia. Professor of Sustainable Architecture and Construction Technology at the University of Liège
• Annoesjka Nienhuis. Transition and change management. Sustainable innovation consultancy. Innovation programmes in the construction environment
• Andreas Luible. Prof. Dr.; Institute and research management; Civil Engineering Institute IBI.
• David Grisaleña Rodriguez. Technician for Innovation and Sustainability at Housing and Land of Euskadi SA
At the end of 2023, ENSNARE was presented with a magnificent reception at the 1st International Congress of Windows, Facades and Solar Protection, organized by ASEFAVE, which was born to become and consolidate itself as the great forum for debate, promotion and development of the enclosure sector in Spain: windows, light facades, ventilated facades, solar protection systems and their components. The most outstanding content of the presentation has been published by the iARQCO magazine in April 2024.
In addition, together with other project partners, Riventi has participated in the publication of a research article in the specialized journal JFDE Journal of Facade Design and EngineeringThis publication presents new research results and new proven practices in the field of façade design and engineering. The aim of the journal is to improve construction technologies as well as process management and architectural design.
Pilot buildings
Finally, the greatest demonstration of the innovation achieved in the ENSNARE project is the installation of the modules in three pilot buildings.
Tartu (Estonia)
Sofia (Bulgaria)
Sassa Scalo (Italy)
More information about the ENSNARE project on its web
