Trends in construction and the future of energy efficiency are focused on using innovative methods to reduce heat loss and improve the sustainability of buildings.
Enable remote control and monitoring of building systems, improving the efficiency of energy resources.
The use of off-the-shelf modular designs speeds up the construction process, reduces costs and ensures greater precision of work.
The introduction of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and other technologies help engineers and architects create better and more precise designs.
Increasing awareness of climate change is encouraging industry to reduce carbon emissions and invest in recycling building materials.
Designing cities with a focus on green spaces, community services and sustainable development is becoming increasingly important.
are the best way to prevents excess heat loss by eliminating thermal bridges in buildings.This not only reduces heating and cooling costs, but also increases the comfort of residents.
are the best way to prevents excess heat loss by eliminating thermal bridges in buildings.This not only reduces heating and cooling costs, but also increases the comfort of residents.
Read more from our helpful blog here.
Thermal bridging poses a serious threat to effective building insulation that can lead to energy loss, increased heating and cooling costs, mold and mildew.
We present a short guidein which we have gathered the information about this:
Thermal bridging is the interruption of the thermal insulation of the façade by a reinforced concrete or steel element - a balcony or loggia. This allows outside heat or cold to enter the interior of the building.
Schöck Isokorb structural elements are the best way to reduce thermal bridges in rooms because they prevent heat loss, significantly reduce energy bills and do not compromise the insulation in the building.
Learn more about Schöck Isokorb HERE.
The family-owned Schöck Group is a leader in the production of ready-to-integrate construction parts. With over 50 years of industry experience and a presence in over 40 countries, the company promotes progress in the field of sustainable construction.
Termomost.bg is Schöck's official representative for Bulgaria in innovations for thermal bridging in construction.
See some of the world's examples of energy-efficient construction.
Biotop is one of the most impressive green buildings. Located in the middle of the important European business district of Euralille, the building creates a skyline that is a striking addition to the urban landscape.
With this project, the architects aim to create a building that combines a healthy microclimate and has a positive energy balance /produces more electricity than it consumes/.
To deal with thermal bridging in balconies, the design team chooses the Schöck Isokorb® structural elements for thermal bridging.
Find out more about thermal bridges here.
The entire façade of the building is in one colour tone: plaster, doors and windows, blinds, even the house number - all façade elements are stone grey. This underlines the principle of the passive house: a tightly closed building envelope. The façade is lit by large window openings, and a large balcony overlooking the garden
"To meet the stringent requirements for a passive house, we thermally separated the connection between the wall and the unheated access ceiling to the underground garage with Schöck Isokorb® XT type Q. On the balcony, Schöck Isokorb® XT type K 40.“is used," explains Ing. Johannes Gotaut of BCO Architekten in Berlin.
Nowon EZ House is the first zero-energy residential complex in Korea. The latest passive building technologies, some of which were applied for the first time in the country, were used in the construction of the complex.
The Schöck Isokorb® XT Type K and XT Type Z thermal bridging elements are applied to prevent thermal bridging in the balcony area.
Korea is located in a highly seismic area, which in no way prevents the disruption of thermal bridges with the Schoeck system.
The third largest mosque in the world is among a portfolio of sites executed with Schöck's technical solutions. This impressive building features geometric architecture and a glamorous rectangular courtyard, a 265-metre-high minaret with a glass structure that is the tallest minaret in Africa.
Some of the most important points in the construction of such a large-scale project in this case are the avoidance of thermal bridges and associated thermal effects.
To prevent the occurrence of thermal bridges, the mosque's contractors trusted Schöck, which, as an international specialist in thermal insulation products, offered the most appropriate solution - Schöck Isokorb.
With its impressive 52 floors, Civic Plaza is an example of energy-efficient high-rise construction. 37 of the building's floors have balconies, which are a potential problem due to the formation of thermal bridges.
The design team explored various options and settled on insulating the balconies from the main slab using Schöck's Isokorb® T thermal bridging elements.
The structural thermal insulation element installed in the building plate minimizes energy losses through thermal bridges.
The station is a permanently stationed research base in Antarctica, named after the commander of the Brazilian Navy, Luis Antonio de Carvalho Ferraz. The harsh climatic conditions with huge temperature differences from outside to inside create a favourable environment for the occurrence of thermal bridges.
To prevent thermal bridging, the design team deployed 218 Isokorb structural elements between the interior and exterior steel columns and exterior staircases.
The thermal bridging elements are suitable for all steel grades and profiles and are made of stainless steel.
Learn more about Schöck Isokorb HERE.
There are consumers for whom the record energy prices recorded in recent months are not such a serious problem.
And these are passive house owners who continue to enjoy the comfort of their home at minimal cost.
But how is this possible in a context of military conflict, uncertain energy supplies and rising inflation?
The passive house concept пасивна къща is reduced to one of the world's leading standards, which combines energy efficiency, convenience and affordability. At the same time, it is an example of sustainable and ecological construction
This type of house needs only 10% of the energy that an average European homeconsumes to maintain a comfortable environment.
This means that passive houses can save up to 90% of the energy consumers currently use. Interestingly even new buildings that are built to modern energy efficiency requirements use on average 75% more energy than passive houses.
But where does this effect come from?
In general, the benefits of this type of building are based on several principles - superinsulation, airtightness, external influences (such as sun and shade) and ventilation. Thus, there is no need to resort to active heating and cooling with air conditioning or heating.
An additional plus of passive houses is that they maintain stable temperatures without uncomfortable deviations and provide good indoor air quality. Perfect insulation also reduces unpleasant outside noises.
What requirements must a house meet to be "passive"?
How are passive houses built?
It is necessary to focus on modern and intelligent design - the home must be designed and oriented in an optimal way to take advantage of external factors such as sun and shade.
Along with this, there are several principles that must be followed:
Of all these factors, perhaps the most key is super insulation, which protects the home from heat loss and maintains a perfect environment all year round. Even under extreme external conditions, there are no significant differences in air and surface temperatures indoors.
In order for an insulation to be really good, quality materials are needed in its construction.
In this sense, the Schöck Isokorb structural elements are the ideal solution because they provide insulation without compromise and are resistant to various atmospheric influences.
They are also the best way to eliminate thermal bridges indoors and help significantly reduce heat loss and energy bills.
At the same time, we do not disturb the insulation of the building and give complete design freedom.
Learn more about how to completely eliminate thermal bridging in buildings here.
The advantages of passive houses
The advantages of this type of housing are undeniable and completely real. The Passive House has it all:
One of the best things about this type of construction is that it is applicable to anyone and anywhere - both residential and business and administrative buildings.
The passive house can be designed for any location according to its specifics, and its benefits have been proven.
Read more from our helpful blog here.
Everyone dreams of their own home, where they can feel cozy and lead an independent life.
For older and disabled people, there are too many barriers to comfort in a home.
Specific features are needed to create a sense of security without anyone worrying about their peace of mind and safety. That is why it is often necessary to adapt the home to the needs of those living in it.
Indoor design plays a key role in enabling people to carry out their daily tasks, whether they are in a wheelchair, blind or have other physical disabilities.
One of the most common problems is the transition between the interior space and the balcony, where a threshold often appears. The most commonly used method of leveling the surface is lowering the level of the slab in the project and dressing it with thermal insulation.
However, this solution is non-technological and difficult to implement. An effective way to solve it is Schöck Isokorb, an innovative thermal insulation system.
Schöck Isokorb completely eliminates the thermal bridge and shifts the condensation point out of the rooms , thus improving the microclimate in the home and preventing moisture and mould. It also lowers the energy consumption for heating and cooling the home, is easy to install and provides a seamlessly accessible environment.
Isokorb provides perfect insulation of bay windows in buildings and gives absolute freedom in facade and balcony design.
This provides a comfortable and accessible environment in an aesthetic way, improves energy efficiency and achieves universal functionality in buildings.
What other accessibility requirements must housing in new buildings meet?
The idea of an accessible environment becomes a social topic and accordingly finds a place already in the first steps of design. The regulatory framework in Bulgaria also imposes more and more requirements for this.
New housing should be easily adaptable, where necessary, to the different specific needs of people with permanent or temporary mobility difficulties.
⦁ The dwellings are required to have no thresholds or unevenness greater than 2cm, including on fitted windows.
⦁ With regard to balconies, it is stipulated that every apartment in a new building must have at least one balcony (loggia, terrace) with a minimum size of 150 x 150 cm.
⦁ Access in any new residential building must be provided by stairs and an elevator, and if the building is up to five floors, it is possible to install a vertical lifting platform instead of an elevator.
⦁ In view of the safe use of stairs by children in new multi-family residential buildings, the railings must not have horizontal elements, but only vertical ones, and the distance between these elements cannot be more than 9 cm.
We hope that more and more new housing in Bulgaria will provide anaccessible environment and comfort for all users. Read more from our helpful blog here.
Architect: KSP Jürgen Engel Architekten, Frankfurt/Main
Client Agence Nationale de Réalisation et de Gestion de Djamaâ El Djazair (ANARGEMA), Algeria
Civil Engineers: Cancer+PINE Ingenieure GmbH, Darmstadt
Construction company: China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd (CSCEC)
Technological solutions: Schöck Bauteile GmbH
Area: GLA 400,000 sq.m
Location: Mohamadia, Algeria
Djamaâ El Djazaïr Mosque in Algeria is the third largest mosque in the world after the two holiest places in Islam, the Grand Mosque in Mecca and Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi in Medina,as well as the first largest mosque in Africa.
Проектирана e от немските архитекти Drees & Sommer и Jürgen Engel Architekten, както и инженерната консултантска компания Cancer+PINE Ingenieure GmbH. Тази впечатляваща сграда се отличаваща с геометрична архитектура и бляскав правоъгълен двор, минаре с височина 265 метра със стъклена конструкция. Toвa e It is the tallest minaret in Africa, displacing the 210-meter minaret of the Hassan II Mosque in Morocco.
The interior of the mosque is distinguished by Andalusian architecture, decorated with wood, marble, alabaster, decorated with six kilometers of Quranic calligraphy and exquisite turquoise prayer mats. The simple, subdued design of the mihrab features only two small columns on either side. Covered by a lighted dome with a diameter of 50 meters, the main prayer hall can accommodate about 37,000 worshippers.
The entire complex accommodates up to 120,000 worshipers with parking spaces sufficient for 7,000 cars.
Following the architecture of traditional Islamic places of worship, the facade of the mosque is almost entirely formed of natural stone, which covers a total area of 95,000 m2. The construction of the mosque began in 2012, and construction continued for 7 years until 2019.
In designing and executing a building of this magnitude, combining a huge prayer hall, museum, research centre, conference centre, fire station, library and a college that is connected to apartments, a multitude of functional aspects had to be taken into account in order for the building to be not only aesthetically beautiful, but fully compliant with stringent design, functionality and quality requirements.
The height of the building, the materials used, the hot and humid climate of Algeria, the salty air, as well as the strong winds pose challenges for the architects and constructors with the problems of the load-bearing capacity of the building and the appearance of thermal bridges.
Some of the most important points in the construction of such a large-scale project in this case are the avoidance of thermal bridges and the associated thermal effects. As well as the use of expansion joints between prefabricated stairs, floors, between platforms and walls.
To prevent the appearance of thermal bridges, the contractors of the mosque trusted Schöck, which as an international specialist for thermal insulation products, offering the most suitable solution for both situations. The solution implemented in the building is the static-bearing Isokorb® T for thermal separation, the ready-to-install single-shear dowel ESD for the prefabricated stairs, and the heavy-duty dowel SLD for the stair landings.
Compared to conventional labor-intensive methods, these are extremely cost-effective solutions that allow horizontal movements and vertical transmission of the load in the building.
All dowels are made of stainless steel, so there is no danger of corrosion and their load capacity is guaranteed at all times. The ESD type single-shear dowel is the ideal fastener for applications with medium to low loads and relatively thin load-bearing components.
This type of dowel has now been redesigned in the form of the Schöck Dorn type LD and the diameter load capacity has been increased more than twice. In addition, the new LD type has European technical assessment approval and bears the CE mark. The SLD type is a heavy-duty dowel with a very high load capacity even in thin structural components, which is mainly used to connect statically important areas such as ceiling connections.
Learn more about the products used in the third largest mosque in the world HERE
Are you planning to buy your dream apartment and become a first-time property owner?
It's an exciting time in everyone's life, but sometimes emotions take over during this important life event. Lack of sufficient awareness can lead to unwanted problems. In the process of looking for a home, people often give in to external pressure or their own emotions, which invariably leads to overlooking a number of disadvantages. It is important to know the right steps to take to make this large financial investment..
What are we missing out on when buying a home?
In Bulgaria, we often put more time and effort into buying a used car, for which we do extensive research and consult with relatives, and friends. But why do we forget to consult specialists such as architects and engineers to advise us if this property meets our requirements and if there is something important that we fail to notice when buying a home?
We offer you several important aspects to pay attention to if you are about to buy a home
Some home buyers believe they can successfully find an apartment all by themselves by doing online research. While this is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the market environment initially, consulting with a professional will make your search much more successful. The work of specialists in the construction field - architects and engineers are closely related to the process of designing, building, and functioning of a building. They can be used as a valuable resource in your property search.
A thorough inspection and an unbiased appraisal of the property's physical condition will help prevent a serious financial mistake. Consulting an architect/engineer would give a much better idea of whether the home meets the client's needs. The advice provided will point to a whole range of aspects to pay attention to, such as building system types, property orientation, optimal distribution, and more.
Before purchasing a property, it is good to research the contracting authority, the builder and the designer. The investor creates a task with his budget and business goals, the applicant executes it, and the client executes it. Therefore, the study of the three sides related to the building will give clarity and certainty. Research the company in the commercial register and contact people who have bought a property from this exact investor.
Once we have made our informed choice for real estate, the next step is to sign a preliminary contract. But why is a preliminary contract concluded when buying and selling a property?
A preliminary contract is defined as a contract of a preparatory nature. It is a type of insurance so that none of the parties will be harmed, which gives the necessary certainty in the relationship between the seller and the buyer, before concluding a final contract. It is common practice at the time of closing, for the buyer to pay the seller an amount of at least 10% of the transaction value, and the seller must provide a certificate of the absence of encumbrances on the property, namely - mortgages, foreclosures, registered claims, established right of usage, etc.
Therefore, it is recommended to use the services of a lawyer - a real estate specialist who will explain the mandatory conditions necessary for signing a preliminary contract, as well as its consequences. This ensures peace of mind and confidence at every stage of the complex property-buying process.
The location has a direct impact on the way and the quality of life, therefore the area is of extreme importance. When choosing a location, one should take into account the neighborhood, the presence of green spaces, infrastructure, public transport, schools and kindergartens, shops, places of public service, and all factors that are a priority for the buyer.
Despite a thorough study of the existing conditions, it is advisable to think in perspective. It is good to check where infrastructure changes are planned. Future construction around the building and planning for a nearby metro station or another form of transport are other key components.
In this way, situations of disappointment will be avoided, and the acquisition of a new home will be a reasonable and perspective decision.
Each new building looks good against the background of the old one. Unfortunately, not every new building keeps its appearance for long. Many new buildings are built with non-perishable materials, which leads to a number of problems and unforeseen consequences. To stand the test of time, a building must be designed against a number of economic, aesthetic, and environmental factors. The investment in quality and sustainable materials provides a prerequisite for long-term operation and easy maintenance.
All construction systems in the building must be distinguished by quality and durability - from the construction of the structure, the laying of waterproofing, the construction of partition walls, and the implementation of technical installations and roof systems, to the energy output.
All systems are laid down in the construction project and the builder implements them. Of great importance is the choice and implementation of the facade system, which is measured by the heat transfer coefficient, which evaluates the energy losses in the building. If we want to avoid the appearance of "thermal bridges", it is extremely important that every element of the building envelope is filled with correct detail.
Therefore, it is good to demand documentation and observations of the construction materials and systems used, regardless of whether it is "green" or in the already completed form.
As it became clear, a particularly important place is played by thermal insulation in the design of new buildings, which must be prepared for long-term and efficient functioning. Thermal bridges on balconies and loggias are the most common cause of increased heat loss and impaired living comfort in buildings.
They also lead to the appearance of mold and mildew on the ceiling, as well as impaired plaster integrity. This problem is not taken into account at all in many of the new buildings.
The standard method such as "dressing" the balcony with thermal insulation is ineffective and does not eliminate the appearance of a thermal bridge. However, there is a revolutionary method of thermal insulation, which is applied in the architectural-constructive solution of the building. This is the Schöck Isokorb system, which provides both comfort and aesthetics.
Unlike standard methods, Isokorb is installed at the border between the indoor room and the balcony of the building. In this way, the condensation point is moved outside the structure. This completely prevents heat loss and the appearance of mold on the premises..
With this product, absolute freedom is achieved in the design of the facade and balconies, avoiding the need to change the flooring of the premises and/or the presence of a threshold between them. This provides an accessible environment as well.
Therefore, among your list of questions to the builder, be sure to include "How was the problem of thermal bridges in the building solved?"
See more about the thermal bridge and its consequences HERE.