The project in five facts.
Challenge, approach and results.
The diploma thesis focuses on comparing a traditional contact façade and a timber ventilated façade primarily from an economic and technical perspective. It is established that the initial investment in a timber ventilated façade is usually higher, but this difference can be offset in the long term due to better durability, lower maintenance and higher property value. The essential cost for a traditional contact façade is the choice of thermal insulation, whilst for a timber ventilated façade it is the façade cladding.
Solution and Method
The diploma thesis focuses on comparing a traditional contact façade and a timber ventilated façade primarily from an economic and technical perspective. The first part of the thesis focuses on the technical description of both systems, including composition, materials and installation method. This is followed by a time analysis, which shows that the installation of a timber ventilated façade is more time-consuming due to multiple phases and component layers, but allows for easier dismantling and a greater proportion of materials that can be recycled.
Materials directly affect the indoor climate. For a favourable indoor climate, the façade envelope must breathe, as only in this way can it remove internal moisture. Different materials need to be installed in such a way that they are properly connected to each other and function as a whole.
To maintain a favourable indoor climate, thermal insulation prevents excessive temperature transfer through the building elements of the envelope from the surroundings into the interior of the building. Noise intrusion from the surroundings is prevented by sound insulation. The airtightness of the façade envelope enables the removal of excess moisture from the environment and the supply of air for ventilation.
In the economic part of the thesis, we compare the implementation costs of both systems and their lifespan.
Results
It is established that the initial investment in a timber ventilated façade is usually higher, but this difference can be offset in the long term due to better durability, lower maintenance and higher property value. The essential cost for a traditional contact façade is the choice of thermal insulation, whilst for a timber ventilated façade it is the façade cladding. Regardless of materials, the average cost of implementing a timber ventilated façade is more than twice as high as the cost of a contact façade.
We must also take into account the maintenance costs for both façade systems, which are inversely proportional, as the initially lower maintenance cost of a contact façade is in the long term higher than the maintenance of a timber ventilated façade. Special attention in the thesis was also given to the environmental impact of both systems, where the timber façade proves to be a more sustainable choice in the spirit of the circular economy. Timber has an important environmental aspect, as at the end of its lifespan it represents a source of energy that can be used to reduce CO2 emissions.
Timber and timber-based products are very suitable for external cladding, as they not only create a beautiful and unique visual appearance, but also ensure their durability when used correctly.
Module, programme and stories.
Your diploma project for a real company.
A diploma thesis at Academia solves a challenge from a company – often the one where you do your 800 hours of placement. Read about the Gradbeništvo module or book a consultation.