Architecture and Construction
Solar technology with the beauty of butterfly wings
Photovoltaic and solar thermal systems are not always considered aesthetically enhancing to a building. The coloured modules, however, being developed at the Fraunhofer ISE are refreshingly challenging this perspective. Inspired…
Digital assistant for building owners
Estimating the cost of a major construction project is complicated and time-consuming. That is why a Fraunhofer team developed a tool that makes the planning process and cost estimates in…
Fungus as a sound absorber
Sustainable soundproofing As healthy and tasty as mushrooms might be, they are good for much more than just the dinner plate. The Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology…
50 years old and as good as new
Since 1970 a worldwide unique test has been running in the Empa testing hall in Dübendorf, in which the long-term behaviour of bonded steel reinforcements on a concrete beam is…
Switch2Save: Energy saving potential for buildings
In October 2019, the EU-funded initiative “Switch2Save” (grant agreement No. 869929) was launched to improve the availability and affordability of electrochromic and thermochromic smart glass technologies. About one year later,…
Innovative bonding technology facilitates use of timber-concrete composite elements in the construction industry
By means of an innovative bonding technology, high-performance timber-concrete composite elements can be produced faster and more easily. As a result of the new joining technology, which was developed by…
Innovative research network “AdvanceAEC” established
Five DFG-funded research centers harness international research synergies and foster the development of early career researchers. The “Research Network for Advancing Architecture, Engineering and Construction” (AdvanceAEC) brings together international researchers…
Programmable insulation materials
Innovative insulating materials made of shape memory polymers are developed and tested by the Fraunhofer Institutes for Applied Polymer Research IAP, for Chemical Technology ICT and for Building Physics IBP…
3D printing ‘greener’ buildings using local soil
The construction industry is currently facing two major challenges: the demand for sustainable infrastructure and the need to repair deteriorating buildings, bridges and roads. While concrete is the material of…
How dangerous are burning electric cars?
There’ s a loud bang, and then it starts: A battery module of an electric car is on fire in the Hagerbach test tunnel. A video of the test impressively…
