Project's Stages

The project started on October, 1st 2006 and will end on March, 31st 2010 with the publication of all results. A total of 6 phases have been passed in the project. The last phase ended with the surrender of the object to the user in June 2009 and an evaluation of project results.

The project's first stage (management of duties and distribution of competences) is successfully completed since the end of 2006. A project coordination team was created, a platform of communication installed and industrial partners were found.

Organisation Chart for the project Insu-Shell (Source: ITA)

The projects second stage contained as well rough and detailed planning of the façade-system's technical details. Considering an evaluation of conventional concrete façades, a new technology was developed and precisely planned, while architectonical demands were considered. Stage two is completed since January 2008.

model INNOTEX east view

Stage three began in spring 2008 with the production of prototypes based on the final design of stage two. The necessary tests to achieve the isolated case acceptance were passed successfully. Additional tests for the preparation of a general structural authorization are to be performed during the future progress of the project until its end.

Groundbreaking ceremony

Stage four started in May 2008. In this stage, sandwich elements are produced. This process is expected to be completed in September 2008.

façade pattern

Stage five is running parallel to the other stages. Here, a demonstration façade was established at the Techtextil Fair 2007 in Frankfurt as well as on the area of the institute's new building. Those façades also offer the possibility of a system- and assembly test. Following, the sandwich elements were assembled to the INNOTEX-building. In spring 2009, the building will be handed over to its occupant.

In June 2009, the building could be ready to give to the Institute of Textile Technology (ITA).

In the sixth and final phase of the project, an assessment of the new facade system for ecological and economic aspects has been made. The distribution of the cladding system and the underlying technology has been supported by numerous publications and presentations. The project results were made available after completion in spring 2010 to the general public.

INNOTEX aerial