Innovative ventilated facade systems integrating multifoil RBS insulation: from 2D design to 3D model

This paper deals with the design of an innovative ventilated façade technological solution, which has been developed through subsequent steps, from 2D CAD project to 3D model, both virtual and physical. The design process will be carefully described in order to show how virtual prototyping and mock-up modeling are at the basis of complex design process management, enabling all construction process actors to take into consideration a number of variables concerning materials, products, installation procedures and construction time. Bi-dimensional design characterized mainly the initial study of the technical solution, leading to the definition of the functional layers needed to fulfill the performance targets together with their appropriate on-site installation. Afterwards, reckoning that a virtual prototype would have certainly been useful to study interfaces and/or interferences among different elements, the work went through a 3D modeling phase which allowed the team to define specific functions of each system component down to the smallest detail, in order to identify and immediately solve any issue related to the installation. This is particularly significant when transferring any project to construction site, where a clear definition of installation procedures prior to initiation would obviously avoid time and costs variations due to unexpected problems related to components handling and operation. Finally, it is important to stress how tri-dimensional modeling has a central role in “communication”, as it allows both experts and non experts to understand immediately the key features of a project.