Assessment of Modular Construction System Made with Low Environmental Impact Construction Materials for Achieving Sustainable Housing Projects

Guisel Romero Quidel, Matías Javier Soto Acuña, Carlos Javier Rojas Herrera (), Karin Rodríguez Neira and Juan Pablo Cárdenas-Ramírez
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Guisel Romero Quidel: Department of Civil Engineering, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
Matías Javier Soto Acuña: Department of Civil Engineering, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
Carlos Javier Rojas Herrera: Department of Civil Engineering, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
Karin Rodríguez Neira: Departamento de Arquitectura, Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa 04001, Peru
Juan Pablo Cárdenas-Ramírez: Facultad de Arquitectura, Construcción y Medio Ambiente, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco 4810101, Chile

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 10, 1-17

Abstract: The construction industry faces a significant challenge in addressing both the housing crisis and climate change. To mitigate this challenge, there has been a push toward the incorporation of industrialization in the construction process to improve product quality, reduce execution times, and lower production costs. However, it is also crucial to implement materials with sustainable characteristics to decrease the environmental impact of housing. In light of this, the present study analyzes the environmental and economic impacts through the development(design) of a modular construction system using materials with low environmental impact. Specifically, the structural components of the system are constructed using plywood boards, thermal insulation is provided by wheat straw, and the interior finish is made of clay plaster. The Skylark 250 model served as the chassis for the structure, with the wheat straw being applied through a blowing process and the clay plaster applied manually. Thermal transmittance, energy demand, environmental impact, and economic analysis were all evaluated for this solution. The study results yielded a modular housing solution with an energy demand of 55 (kWh/m 2 /year), which, when paired with photovoltaic panels, meets the Net Zero challenge. In terms of construction time, the proposed system requires 44% less time than traditional construction methods and is 29% less expensive economically, making it an attractive option for the housing market.

Keywords: sustainable construction; WikiHouse; subtractive manufacturing; Net Zero (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:10:p:8386-:d:1152639

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