Renovation with factory-producer elements

In the production of facade elements, EstNor relies on an extensive knowledge base and decades of experience, offering the best competence in increasing the energy efficiency of buildings.

Industrial Reconstruction

  • A new era of reconstruction with factory-produced insulated elements.
  • 90% of facade work is carried out in the factory, in a controlled environment.
  • Pre-produced elements increase the efficiency of on-site work.
  • On-site work is scaffold-free.
  • A safe and convenient renovation method for residents.
  • The solution meets fire safety requirements.
EstNor Offers

  • Building surveying and testing of fixings.
  • Structural engineering and design.
  • Factory production of elements.
  • Installation of ventilation ducts into elements at the factory.
  • Transportation from the factory to the construction site.
  • Assembly of elements on the construction site.
  • Pre- and post-assembly work on the construction site.

 

 

Surveying

  • The existing building is surveyed using laser scanning.
  • A 3D model is generated from the point cloud.
  • Tensile strength tests of fasteners are performed on-site.
Architecture

  • Building Information Modeling (BIM).
  • Selection of colors (facade, eaves, rainwater system, window and flashing metal).
  • The facade covering and its divisions are determined.
  • Facade covering: through-colored fiber cement board / horizontal or vertical timber boarding / or other desired facade material.

Production of insulated facade elements at the factory

Window installation in elements at the factory, packaging, and transport

Installation of facade elements on the construction site

 

KredEx Reconstruction Grant 2022-2027
The purpose of the KredEx support measure is to finance the comprehensive reconstruction of apartment buildings, as well as the replacement of heating devices in buildings with gas, stove, or electric heating with devices using renewable energy sources or connecting them to a district heating network. Within the framework of supported activities, energy efficiency of apartment buildings is enabled and the use of renewable energy is encouraged. More information at KredEx.ee.

EstNor participated very successfully in the pilot project of the first Kredex reconstruction support measure in 2022, securing the production of facade elements for 12 apartment buildings. Facade elements for all 12 buildings are produced at the EstNor factory on a wooden structure. Insulation wool is installed in the elements, new energy-efficient PVC windows are installed and finished, and the facade finishing board is also pre-installed at the EstNor factory.

 

Within the framework of the KredEx support measure project, EstNor is the very first producer and we have produced the highest volume of facade elements.

Factory work is planned based on the principle that the more is done in the factory and the less is done on-site, the faster the installation of facade elements proceeds and the less residents are disturbed by construction activities.

One of the biggest advantages of insulating a building with factory-produced insulated timber-frame elements is definitely the speed of work – while insulation work on a 5-story building with 5 stairwells using expanded polystyrene on-site can last almost a year, the building facade is covered with our factory-produced facade elements in just 3-4 weeks. The difference in working time is remarkably large.

 

When insulating an apartment building with facade elements produced at the EstNor factory, scaffolding is not required.
Scaffolding restricts residents’ views from windows and represents an increased security risk throughout the duration of renovation work carried out on the site.

 

Renovating old apartment buildings with factory-produced facade elements helps to make the building energy-efficient quickly!

The use of factory-produced facade elements in the renovation of old apartment buildings offers many advantages – improved energy efficiency, reduced construction time, and an extended lifespan for the building. Facade elements are manufactured in a controlled factory environment, ensuring consistent and high quality. Additionally, the use of elements with standardized dimensions allows for a simplified installation process, thereby reducing the time spent on renovation.

 

Simplified Steps of the Renovation Process

Building Scanning. The old building is 3D-scanned with special equipment from the ground and using a drone. The scanning result is a very detailed point cloud.
Modeling and Design. A very detailed BIM model is created from the 3D scanning point cloud, allowing engineers to see every deviation of the existing building. From here, new facade elements are designed for the building’s old facade.
Preparation for Installation. After the elements are designed and produced, preparation work for element installation begins at the construction site; specially designed durable brackets and base timbers are installed for the element installation.
Installation of the First Elements. The installation of facade elements begins from the corner of the building. Elements are supported on the base timbers, and special corner clamps are attached on top of the elements to ensure the element is straight.
Installation of Subsequent Elements. A wooden base plate is installed on top of the first row of elements, creating a fixed point for installing the next row of elements. Installation continues from the corner of the building.
Installation of All Facade Elements. After the corner elements are installed, the installation of all other facade elements continues across the entire building. The facade elements covering the stairwell are installed last.
Installation of Ventilation Pipes. Part of the ventilation pipes are installed inside the elements at the factory according to the provided specifications. If the project requires, the new ventilation system is installed on the roof of the building by the general contractor.
Installation of Stairwell Elements. The stairwell facade elements are installed after the ventilation pipes have been installed and interconnected.
Other Necessary On-site Works. After the installation of the facade elements, the element joints are finished, the rainwater system and roofing material are installed, and other necessary works are carried out so that the building gets a complete exterior appearance.

 

Watch an animation of the renovation process with factory-produced facade elements.