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Flexible and Lightweight Solutions for Energy Improvement in Construction: A Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Yorgos Spanodimitriou

    (Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81031 Aversa, Italy)

  • Giovanni Ciampi

    (Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81031 Aversa, Italy)

  • Luigi Tufano

    (Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81031 Aversa, Italy)

  • Michelangelo Scorpio

    (Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81031 Aversa, Italy)

Abstract

Innovative materials and systems for flexible and lightweight energy-efficient solutions in construction can help achieve the objective of more efficient buildings. This literature review categorizes these solutions into three categories: materials/systems topology, design flexibility from 3D-printing technologies, and innovative solutions for building envelope designs. The review shows a significant increase in interest in this research topic in recent years, with an average annual growth rate of about 73%, with most research focused on the design and thermal aspects, as well as the material typology and 3D-printing technologies. According to the review, flexible and lightweight systems can be applied to all building sectors, and retrofitting existing buildings may become the primary approach. However, there is no specific European regulation for these systems, and a more holistic design approach is needed, involving both designers/constructors and users, to plan for actual social, economic, and environmental impacts.

Suggested Citation

  • Yorgos Spanodimitriou & Giovanni Ciampi & Luigi Tufano & Michelangelo Scorpio, 2023. "Flexible and Lightweight Solutions for Energy Improvement in Construction: A Literature Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-50, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:18:p:6637-:d:1240791
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yorgos Spanodimitriou & Giovanni Ciampi & Michelangelo Scorpio & Niloufar Mokhtari & Ainoor Teimoorzadeh & Roberta Laffi & Sergio Sibilio, 2022. "Passive Strategies for Building Retrofitting: Performances Analysis and Incentive Policies for the Iranian Scenario," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-22, February.
    2. Blessing Onyeche Ayegba & King-James Idala Egbe & Ali Matin Nazar & Mingzhi Huang & Mohammad Amin Hariri-Ardebili, 2022. "Resource Efficiency and Thermal Comfort of 3D Printable Concrete Building Envelopes Optimized by Performance Enhancing Insulation: A Numerical Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-14, January.
    3. Stelladriana Volpe & Valentino Sangiorgio & Andrea Petrella & Armando Coppola & Michele Notarnicola & Francesco Fiorito, 2021. "Building Envelope Prefabricated with 3D Printing Technology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-13, August.
    4. Álex Moreno & Daniel Chemisana & Rodolphe Vaillon & Alberto Riverola & Alejandro Solans, 2019. "Energy and Luminous Performance Investigation of an OPV/ETFE Glazing Element for Building Integration," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-16, May.
    5. Li, Qingxiang & Zanelli, Alessandra, 2021. "A review on fabrication and applications of textile envelope integrated flexible photovoltaic systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).
    6. Mia Ala-Juusela & Hassam ur Rehman & Mari Hukkalainen & Francesco Reda, 2021. "Positive Energy Building Definition with the Framework, Elements and Challenges of the Concept," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-18, October.
    7. Flor, Jan-Frederik & Liu, Dingming & Sun, Yanyi & Beccarelli, Paolo & Chilton, John & Wu, Yupeng, 2018. "Optical aspects and energy performance of switchable ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) foil cushions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 229(C), pages 335-351.
    8. Pessoa, S. & Guimarães, A.S. & Lucas, S.S. & Simões, N., 2021. "3D printing in the construction industry - A systematic review of the thermal performance in buildings," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
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