From the Slovenian woods to INFINITE

Our recent project meeting in Slovenia was a great opportunity to see first-hand the ongoing works to the Slovenian demo case in Ravne na Koroškem, Slovenia, managed by Stanovanjsko podjetje d.o.o. Crucial was the support of EUTRIP in terms of design, as well as of IRI-UL in supporting the whole implementation of the INFINITE project in Slovenia. 

We witnessed how the prefabricated timber-based facades were installed quickly and with minimal disruption to residents, demonstrating the effectiveness of industrialized solutions. 

This visit also highlighted the collaboration with local firms. The prefabricated facades for the demo case were manufactured by Lesoteka, a local group of interconnected companies that operate in more than 30 areas of wood processing. The company processes raw materials obtained through sustainable exploitation of forest resources into marketable wood products, while adhering to our core values and working for the benefit of people and nature.  

 During the visit, we had the opportunity to interview Žan Pritržnik, CEO of Lesoteka, about their work on the project and the opportunities of industrialised deep renovation. 

Wood for your products comes only from local forests. How does the supply work and how can you ensure it is sustainable? 

Žan Pritržnik: Ensuring a sustainable supply of wood from local forests involves working closely with owners and implementing responsible sourcing practices, such as short transport routes, fair prices for farmers, and daily cooperation with them. Certifications such as FSC and SURE verify that the wood is sourced ethically and sustainably. 

How are you committed to reducing wood waste? 

Žan Pritržnik: To reduce wood waste, we have implemented efficient manufacturing processes, including a new sawmill, and we exploit the robotics as well. In the future, we plan to invest in technology to generate new market products made from waste materials like bark, wood chips, and sawdust. 

 What were the challenges in implementing circular economy practices, and how did you solve them? 

Žan Pritržnik: The main challenge is the high initial costs. Transitioning to a circular economy requires significant upfront investment in technologies and infrastructure. 

 In the INFINITE project, you are manufacturing and installing the prefabricated timber-based façade on site. What are the main challenges you are facing? 

Žan Pritržnik: The primary challenges include adapting to site-specific conditions, especially since the buildings are continuously inhabited during the renovation. 

 How do you foresee this project opening up new opportunities for your company? 

Žan Pritržnik: The INFINITE project can open up new opportunities by showcasing our expertise in sustainable construction practices, attracting eco-conscious clients, and positioning us as innovators in building solutions. Successful completion of the project could lead to collaborations on similar projects, market expansion, and increased brand recognition within the construction industry. 

 We also had the chance to interview Gregor Sagadin, Stanovanjsko podjetje d.o.o, about the ongoing renovation to the demo case. 

 You have started the renovation works using some of the INFINITE solutions. Which was the most complex part of the design work? 

Gregor Sagadin: The most complex part of the design is the integration of PV panels. We tried using just three standard sizes but realized that dummy panels are very helpful for understanding the entire façade. 

In terms of on-site preliminary works, what is the disturbance rate for building users? 

Gregor Sagadin: The biggest impact on inhabitants is due to the noise from drilling the holes that will host the façade anchoring system. It is so loud that it makes conversation inside the building rather hard! But luckily it lasted few hours during couple of days. This was because the anchor points were unfortunately close to the edge of the kerb where there are irons, and the concrete is difficult to penetrate. 

 How is the reaction of the local community and municipality to the INFINITE initiative and solutions? 

Gregor Sagadin: The reaction is very positive. The community and municipality are eagerly awaiting the project’s completion. They are interested in how the building will interact with the surroundings and the impact on the environment. We are confident that the impact both on the community and on the environment will be positive. For sure, the effective collaboration between local firms from different sector is already a small success, and a sign of a growing interest in this renovation approach.