Project executor: EKA PAKK Algorithmic Architecture Research Group
Researchers: Siim Tuksam (Principal Investigator), Sille Pihlak (Researcher), Kaiko Kivi (Early-stage researcher), Elina Liiva (Early-stage researcher)
Project Managers: Anna Tommingas (anna.tommingas@artun.ee), Eeros Lees
Period: 01.01.2026 - 31.12.2030
Funding: Estonian Research Council (grant PSG1260), project grant 585 000 €
The project explores how to integrate prefabricated building systems, architectural quality, and digital design processes into a coherent approach that improves the spatial quality of sustainable, large-scale renovation. It focuses on how prefabricated solutions can achieve high architectural quality while remaining efficient in design, manufacturing, and construction. Particular attention is given to early-stage design decisions, which shape spatial quality, technical performance, and environmental impact. The project also examines the evolving role of the architect in digital workflows and how automation can support and enhance, rather than replace, this role.
At the level of digital integration, the project aims to improve the coherence and transparency of the design process. It investigates how early-stage solutions can be systematically evaluated and developed, and how data can be more effectively shared among stakeholders. Lightweight topological models play a key role, linking architectural design, engineering analysis, manufacturing, and construction into a unified workflow and supporting collaborative decision-making.
From a sustainability perspective, the project examines how prefabricated systems can reduce carbon footprint and support circular construction. It focuses on material and system design, particularly the use of wood, including recycled and underutilized resources, as well as the potential of mass customization to balance individual needs with environmental goals. The project aims to identify key barriers to implementing integrated, digital, and collaborative workflows and to propose solutions that enable wider adoption of prefabricated renovation approaches in practice.
Project goals:
1. High-quality prefabricated retrofit system
Develop and validate a scalable prefabricated construction system for retrofit and adaptive reuse that:
integrates architectural quality, structure, and fabrication
is adaptable and suitable for real-world implementation
2. Circular and low-carbon material strategies
Establish validated approaches for circular construction, including:
integration of timber (incl. reused and undervalued timber)
reduced CO₂ footprint of renovation systems
demonstrable environmental performance (LCA-based)
3. Integrated digital design framework
Deliver an open and interoperable digital toolkit that:
connects design, analysis, fabrication, and construction
enables integrated workflows across stakeholders
- supports early-stage decision-making and automation
4. Stakeholder-informed design approach
Develop a people-centred framework by:
mapping user needs, values, and behaviours
integrating stakeholder input into design and tools
improving adoption of prefab solutions
5. Architecture guidelines and methods
Produce transferable guidelines and design methods for:
prefabricated retrofit
modernist heritage adaptation
balancing spatial quality, sustainability, and efficiency
