CUBE

The CUBE Demonstration Centre brings together the findings from over 60 C³ research projects, showcasing both the practical applicability and the innovative potential of carbon concrete. The Berlin-based architectural firm HENN has developed a building concept for this purpose that bridges the gap between everyday practicality and a vision of the future by integrating a double-curved shell structure that spans the entire building as a wall and ceiling surface. The building, with a gross floor area of approximately 220 m², comprises laboratory and presentation rooms and is located near the Faculty of Civil Engineering with a view of the campus of Dresden University of Technology.

This sub-project focuses in particular on issues relating to life-cycle-oriented component development and process optimisation. The emphasis here is specifically on the assessment of building physics, energy and ecological sustainability criteria. Studies are being conducted on the resource requirements of building components and construction technologies, primarily to ensure the sustainability of the building. In addition, economic aspects are also being examined, which in turn are incorporated into a life-cycle cost model.

Within this framework, requirements are defined for the design of suitable components and for their manufacture, which are significant during development alongside aspects of load-bearing capacity and serviceability. This involves, for example, the selection of suitable insulation materials, multi-layer sealing systems, fasteners that minimise thermal bridges, and environmentally friendly material combinations.

As part of the investigations, the theoretical considerations are supported by simulations of coupled heat and moisture transport using the Delphin programme. At the same time, accompanying building material and component tests are carried out. On the one hand, building acoustics measurements are carried out on the developed components in the acoustics test facility ‘akustiklab’; on the other hand, measurements are also conducted under real-world climatic conditions in the outdoor climate test facility ‘validlab’. This enables the validation of the entire building structures and simulation models, as well as the performance of all necessary building physics measurements relating to thermal and moisture protection and durability.

The investigations will continue even after the completion of the CUBE demonstration building, with a comprehensive monitoring concept being developed as early as the planning phase. This will allow measurements of thermal and moisture protection to be carried out directly on the building both during the construction phase and later during its use.

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