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Modular building system developed by Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute to feature at BAU 2025 in Munich.
Seven Fraunhofer Institutes (decentralised applied research organisations similar to Australia’s centralised CSIRO) in Germany are working together on the BAU-DNS flagship project to develop an innovative modular building system for sustainable building refurbishment. The project focuses on creating a modular building system that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the construction industry can use to address pressing challenges, including CO₂ emissions and inefficient renovation processes. (main pic: modular building system facade with a floor-to-ceiling PV element.)
According to German government sources, buildings account for approximately 40 percent of CO₂ emissions, in large part due to their construction and operation. Dr Simon Schmidt, head of the Hygrothermics department at Fraunhofer IBP, highlights the urgency: “The situation means we need to use data from end to end, design processes for sustainability and fabricate construction elements to be simple and easy to install.”
The project integrates modular and circular construction principles to address inefficiencies and reduce resource use. Fraunhofer researchers aim to ensure sustainability across all stages, from surveying and documentation to fabrication and on-site implementation. Dr Schmidt further explains, “The more planning and thinking takes place in advance, the simpler the surveying and documentation, fabrication and installation steps end up being.”
One of the project’s focal points is its adaptability to diverse industry needs. A test building located on the grounds of Fraunhofer IBP in Holzkirchen, is equipped with active facade modules, bio-based insulation, and solar panels demonstrating the system’s potential. The project also explores handheld measuring devices for real-time building data collection. This data informs a digital information model, aiding in seamless implementation.
To maximise impact, Fraunhofer also collaborates with various research and industry partners. Dr Schmidt states, “Our goal is to reshape the construction industry for greater sustainability. To achieve that, our concepts and solutions need to adapt flexibly to specific requirements and be available on a broad basis.”
The findings and solutions from the BAU-DNS project will be presented at the BAU 2025 trade show in Munich from January 13 to 17.
See: Fraunhofer Institute
See: BAU 2025
