Modular, stackable conservatory

Objectives and work programme

Conservatories are more than simple greenhouses. They are glass structures that offer a high degree of comfort and create a quality living space. More and more people are therefore using these ground-floor additions as sunny studios, offices with a view of the garden, or as a relaxing living space. However, their structure with a high number of load-bearing posts, bolts in the facade and metal supporting beams in the roof is very noticeable. The glazing used serves only as infill and as heat protection in summer and winter. This goes against the objective of creating a well-lit living space with a highly transparent envelope.

The objective of this research project is to develop an innovative system to distribute the load through the glazing, largely avoiding the use of metal supports, and thereby significantly increasing the transparency of the structure. In order to make use of the panels’ load-bearing capacity, a new construction method that is suitable for the materials used must be developed. A supporting beam connected to the lower edge of the glass is intended to secure the position of the glazing and support vertical loads. A load-bearing adhesive bond is to direct loads from the roof structure into the vertical side panels. The innovative conservatory is only possible through the symbiosis of glass positioning, adhesive bonding, and the panels’ load-bearing capacity. Moreover, the modern, modular conservatory must also be stackable. This allows for construction on multi-storeyed buildings. In addition to the development of a load-bearing glass wall, the research also involves numerical simulations of components, energetic balancing, as well as small-scale testing and component testing.

Partner

BONDA Balkon- und Glasbau GmbH, Wachstedt