COST ANALYSIS OF LIGHTWEIGHT MEMBRANES IN HOUSING AT TEMPERATE CLIMATES

Abstract

Lightweight materials are more viable to beused on invariably hot or cold climates. However it ispossible to use lightweight constructive systems andspecifically membranes, even in housing buildings attemperate climate areas, if their properties are wellexplored, allowing a good environmental performance andcost effectiveness, when compared to conventional solutions.Economic analyses are needed for assessing the life-cyclecost advantages and disadvantages of these new materialsrelative to conventional materials. Using a lightweightprototype module as reference, four construction solutionsare compared in economical aspects: a conventionalheavyweight solution with hollow brick, a lightweightconventional solution with LSF technology, a lightweightsolution in cross-laminated timber and a proposedlightweight solution with membrane. The research resultsallow concluding that, for the Portuguese reality, and in anear future, with more consciousness to sustainability issues,these solutions can achieve a great acceptation.Index Terms  ⎯  Composite membranes, constructiveanalysis, life cycle cost analyses, lightweight materials.