Exploring applications of Computational Design techniques and design for manufacturability for costs reduction of prefabricated timber-based façades: The ‘LegnAttivo’ design prototype

Abstract

Several research initiatives across the European Union investigated the application of off-site prefabrication strategies for energy refurbishment of buildings. Although the results obtained, none of these projects offer a solution for reducing the overall cost.This paper presents the results of the ‘LegnAttivo’ project, an applied research initiative that investigates applications of Mass Customization and Design for Manufacturability to reduce the cost of prefabricated timber-based façades for energy refurbishment. Applying a Design Science Research approach, the research develops a design prototype of timber-based façade elements for the energy refurbishment of the Italian building stock. Relying on a single case study which is a starting point for future generalizations and extensions of the method, results highlight that applications of Design for Manufacturability combined with Computational Design techniques provide effective and efficient solutions, even under extremely customized requirements, and bring to considerable saves, aligned with the ones measured by the scientific community.

Keywords

• Energy refurbishment of buildings
• Design for manufacturability
• Off-site prefabrication
• Mass customization
• Computational design
• Digital fabrication