Performance-based building (renovation)
This research line focuses on the innovative and performance-based construction and (energetic) renovation of (residential) buildings. Using numeric simulations, (in-situ) measurements and evaluations, we identify promising concepts for new constructions and retrofits that support the scaling up of the energetic and circular transitions of the built environment.
Main research themes
The research line Performance-based building (renovation) focuses on the assessment of the realised performance in construction and retrofit projects (thermal performance of the building envelope, energetic performance of building services, occupant satisfaction, efficiency of the construction process, building circularity, business case) in relation to the aspired performance.
Our main research themes:
The operational energy performance of a building depends on the realised quality of its thermal envelope, the performance of building services and occupant behaviour. By quantifying each of these three elements through (in-situ) measurements, insights are gained into potential improvements for the further scaling up of construction and renovation concepts.
Using our CircleTool, we quantitatively assess the circularity of construction and renovation projects and concepts. This provides insight into potential improvements to achieve the goal of a circular built environment by 2050.
To ensure the feasibility, affordability, and timeliness of the energetic retrofit of millions of homes by 2050, and to address the significant need for new construction, it is crucial to industrialize the construction process. Using measurements, simulations, and evaluations, we focus on the efficiency of construction processes, both in supply chains (i.e. off-site prefabrication of building elements) and at the construction/ renovation site.
INDU-ZERO
In the Interreg project INDU-ZERO (2018 – 2022), a blueprint was developed for a factory that produces renovation packages for residential buildings on a large scale. The chair of SBT focused on the assessment of the energetic performance of realised case objects through simulations and in-situ measurements, as well as the efficiency of the on-site retrofitting works.
Pandemic Preparedness: P3Venti Inventory
For the Pandemic Preparedness Program (P3Venti), the chair of SBT investigated the technical aspects of ventilation systems in sports, fitness, and yoga facilities, as well as their use by occupants. The aim is to learn how the risk of aerosol virus transmission can be reduced.
CircleBIM: Public Sector Innovation with BIM for a more circular construction sector
CircleBIM is an Interreg North Sea Region project that develops and pilots innovative public service solutions to mainstream circular construction. By using Building Information Management (BIM) as a key tool, CircleBIM supports local and regional authorities in making planning and construction processes more circular, resource-efficient, and sustainable.
The project tackles the challenges of sectorial silos, data gaps, and limited room for innovation in circular public planning and construction. CircleBIM creates collaborative platforms - Local Circular Construction Partnerships (LCCPs) - across seven partner countries (Belgium, Germany, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway). These LCCPs serve as experimental innovation hubs where experts and stakeholders exchange knowledge, test pilots, and co-develop BIM-based workflows to boost circularity in construction projects.
By integrating BIM into circular construction workflows, CircleBIM enables better management of complex information flows and multi-disciplinary collaboration. This approach supports the EU’s Innovation Agenda, Green Deal, and Industrial Strategy, while fostering new regional policies and international standards for circular public construction.
The CircleBIM project is financially supported by the Interreg North Sea Programme.
All projects
Our partners
Collaboration?
Would you like more information? Do you want to explore the possibility of a joint research project? Contact coordinator of the line of research Result-oriented Re(construction):
Twan Rovers
Associate Lector Sustainable Building Technology
06 - 1248 0099 [email protected] LinkedIn