A real-world lab for innovative building.
The construction sector is at the centre of current sustainability and transformation efforts. As one of the most resource- and emission-intensive sectors of the economy, it contributes significantly to energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and global material use. At the same time, there is a growing need for innovative construction methods that combine climate protection, resource efficiency, circularity and high living quality.
Against this background, the LocLab research project explores new paths towards sustainable, regionally rooted and circular building. Its aim is to develop, test and scientifically evaluate innovative building and material concepts that meet ecological, technical, economic and social requirements alike.
At the heart of the project are two modular buildings that serve as physical and digital real-world laboratories. These Modular Houses will be set up at two sites – at BASIS Vinschgau in Schlanders and at the NOI Techpark in Bolzano – and allow novel building and material systems to be developed, implemented and studied under real conditions. Different solutions are analysed in terms of their environmental impact, energy efficiency, indoor quality and how users perceive them, and compared with existing construction methods.
Circular construction based on regional resources
South Tyrol has extensive natural resources and strong expertise in timber construction and the processing of local raw materials. The project draws on this potential to develop innovative circular building systems that strengthen regional value creation while reducing the ecological footprint of buildings.
In the first real-world lab, a novel timber frame wall is developed and tested that largely avoids adhesives and synthetic sealing systems. The goal is an airtight, resource-efficient and circular construction whose materials can be reused or recycled more easily at the end of their life cycle. At the same time, potential pollutant emissions are reduced and a healthy indoor climate is promoted.
The second real-world lab focuses on developing an innovative insulation made of clay and regionally sourced wood shavings. The shavings are a by-product of local wood-processing companies and hold largely untapped potential for sustainable building applications. Combined with clay, they form an insulation material that strengthens regional material cycles, shortens transport distances and can offer positive properties in terms of moisture regulation and indoor climate.
Research under real conditions
A key feature of LocLab is the real-world lab approach. The two modular buildings serve not only as research infrastructure but also as places of exchange and hands-on testing. Innovative building and interior concepts are tested under real conditions of use and accompanied scientifically.
The systems developed are examined comprehensively, focusing on energy efficiency, indoor quality, the thermal behaviour of the materials, the circularity of the resources used and how users perceive them. Digital methods such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VR) are used in addition to depict different scenarios and enable new forms of participation.
A holistic life cycle assessment (LCA) is used to evaluate environmental impacts. Direct data collection within the project is intended to yield robust insights into the actual ecological effects of the construction methods developed.
Innovation through collaboration
LocLab sees sustainable building as a shared challenge. The project therefore combines scientific research with the expertise of regional companies and the knowledge and experience of the local population.
In workshops and participatory formats, regional raw materials and by-products are mapped, potentials identified and innovative products and interior solutions developed together. The resulting prototypes are exhibited, tested and refined in the real-world labs. This creates new impulses for a resource-efficient, future-proof building culture in South Tyrol.
Project goals
The goal of LocLab is to develop, implement and scientifically evaluate innovative, circular building and material solutions based on regional resources. Within the real-world labs, their ecological, technical and social effects are studied in order to create an evidence base for sustainable construction, strengthen the regional circular economy and support the transformation towards a resource-efficient, climate-friendly building culture in South Tyrol.
Project timeline.
The project runs for 36 months. The phases overlap – the project does not proceed in a straight line. CUP EFRE: I53C25001610009.
Kick-off & work plan
M1 Kick-off · M2 Final schedule
Realisation & construction of the Modular Houses
M3 Modular Houses completed · M4 Real-world lab sites operational
Measurements, LCA & workshops
M5 Measurements completed · M6 Real-world labs Schlanders & Bolzano completed
Evaluation, synthesis & publication
M7 Final report · M8 Public closing event