In January, the Institute took part in the BAU 2017 architecture trade fair in Munich, where we presented the HomeSkin project, funded by the European research and innovation programme Horizon 2020. BAU is the leading international trade fair for architecture, construction materials and systems, with more than 2000 exhibitors from 42 countries. As one of the most important events in the construction sector calendar worldwide, our participation in BAU 2017 was a unique opportunity to report on the challenges presented by HomeSkin and to show the latest developments and innovations.

At the stand, where we were accompanied by some of our key partners, we reported on ITeC’s role within the HomeSkin project and publicised our expertise in orienting innovation and advising on new product development to optimize time and costs, in addition to providing guidance throughout the process of certification of innovative products.

The objective of the HomeSkin project is to develop new products and thermal insulation solutions in construction based on high-performance Advanced Aerogel-based Composite materials (AABC), which thanks to their aerogel content can improve on standard insulation performance by up to 300%. The Institute is actively involved in the HomeSkin project as a technology partner with the mission of monitoring the compliance of these new products with EU legislation to ensure that they can enter the European market without difficulty.

This three-year project was launched in February 2015 and is scheduled for completion in 2018. The European consortium responsible for the project is composed of: four industrial partners (Enersens, Parex, Trocellen and Flag), three research centres (CEA, Armines and University of Stuttgart) ITeC as a construction technology centre, and two strategic consultancies (Wavestone and Sorane). The Institute has produced a video to promote awareness of the project.