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Project title

Modular mass timber building for the circular economy

Primary Funding Agency

Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

The supply of raw material from Irish forests is predicted to double in the period 2017-2035. In parallel with this, the Government predicts that the population of Ireland will grow by 1 million by 2040 requiring 550,000 new homes to be provided. In addition, supporting infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, retail outlets and industrial buildings, will be required. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is to develop infrastructure in a sustainable way accounting for the whole life cycle of the buildings, while an opportunity exists to grow the circular bio-economy by utilising the increased supply of timber in Ireland to satisfy this demand and creating sustainable employment particularly in rural areas. This project will design, develop and test a sustainable modular timber building solution to support national needs while also creating export opportunities in the sector. The proposed modular building solution will maximise the use of Irish timber in cross-laminated panels for walls and floors and will be optimised for structural integrity, fire, acoustics and vibration. Underlying all aspects of the design is ensuring the modules are optimised for future deconstruction and reuse. To achieve this, high-performance connection systems using thermally compressed Irish Sitka spruce will be developed as part of the project, which will significantly reduce adhesive use in the modules. The prefabricated units will be precision-manufactured offsite and will be capable of acting as standalone single- or multi-storey structures, or as extensions to existing buildings to form a larger footprint or additional storeys. Leading-edge researchers at NUI Galway and Cork IT together with five industry partners bring significant experience in timber product design, development and testing, and design and delivery of modular buildings. Unique state-of-the-art testing facilities at NUI Galway and Cork IT will be used in the delivery of the project.

Grant Approved

�592,067.30

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/11/2019

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/10/2023