Technical realization - Microlab

This page shows the technical adaptions the west wing of the Microlab faced. To reach the envisioned energy consumption reduction, to modernize the Microlab, and to complement the project design, the façade had to face the most adaptions. The 3 sections of the new façade can be seen below, with an explanation underneath or by clicking on the section.

Section through column

As one can see on the figure, the columns will be insulated on its external side. This was chosen to prevent thermal bridges in the upper part of the building. The ground floor will be insulated from the inside by rockwool panels which are compression and moisture resistant. Even though it creates an unsolved thermal bridge from the column to the foundation, insulating the ground floor internally was construction wise desirable. The concrete upper façade will be insulated from the inside. The different thermal bridge problems at the connection of the concrete façade to the floor and the steel structure to the roof are solved by painting it with Korund insulating paint. A layer of 5 mm insulating paint solves the thermal bridge by providing an approximate R-value of 4. Besides adding insulation, additional necessary waterproofing foil and vapor retarded will be added.

Section through wall

The standard bottom façade of Microlab will be modernized. The double brick layer will be replaced by an single brick layer with 100 mm of mineral wool. Similarly, the concrete top façade will also have be added with 100 mm of mineral wool. The choice for mineral wool are based on its low embodied energy and its moisture resistance. The roof will be insulated from the inside by 160 mm of mineral wool, which will be placed in between the steel purlins. As said, these purlins will be covered by insulating paint.