A prototype of a modular apartment building with zero carbon footprint is being prepared

In the summer of 2024, the CTU UCEEB started cooperation with Designové dřevostavby (formerly VSF Novotný s.r.o.) on the CITI-CAN project with the aim of creating the first modular apartment building with zero carbon footprint and a completely circular life cycle. Currently, a key phase of prototype preparation is underway, which includes optimization of the structural design, thorough testing of materials and preparation of documents for certification according to the national SBToolCZ methodology. Once completed, the new building system will serve as a model for other sustainable housing projects and will contribute to a wider range of eco-friendly and affordable housing on the domestic and European market.

The work on the CITI-CAN project is leading us to innovative ways to combine environmental and technological requirements with the real-world usability of modular construction. Our goal is for the structure to meet the requirements of carbon neutrality while contributing to the circular economy. It must therefore allow for easy disassembly and reuse of individual modules. We use life cycle analysis (LCA) tools and digital modelling in BIM, which allows us to monitor all the environmental impacts of the design and optimise it to be truly sustainable.
We have chosen cross-laminated timber (CLT) as a key building material, as its renewability and low carbon footprint ideally suits our objectives. It also provides us with the flexibility to produce prefabricated modules that are easily transportable and allow for quick assembly on site. Prefabrication not only helps us to streamline production, but also improves accuracy and build quality, which is important to ensure high energy efficiency and long building life.

Of course, in addition to the demands of carbon neutrality and sustainability, we also paid attention to other requirements, from structural and fire safety to acoustic and thermal comfort details. We are already preparing to monitor the operational characteristics of the prototype so that we can verify all the proposed parameters in real operation and fine-tune them for mass production.

The CITI-CAN project was supported by the Operational Programme Technology and Applications for Competitiveness.