PROJECTS

Framework
The construction of modular workspaces has established itself as a growing trend in the market, driven by the need to provide high levels of comfort, efficiency and safety. This trend is mainly due to the speed and efficiency of installation processes, which require minimal interventions on the building’s existing structure and result in lower maintenance costs throughout use. Furthermore, modularity allows these spaces to be easily dismantled and reassembled in new locations, and for their components to be separated when they are no longer needed, contributing to the circularity of resources and reducing end-of-life environmental impacts.

Despite not being a completely new concept, the construction of modular workspaces faces technical challenges that have not yet been adequately addressed by companies in the sector. These challenges are related to dimensional limitations, the need to condition spaces in environments with reduced air quality and that require high performance in hygrothermal and acoustic terms, integration of filtration and biological decontamination systems, flexibility in adapting to new space management needs, as well as integration of emerging technology equipment.

Main objective
The SELFLIVINGBOX project aims to develop and validate intelligent and modular compartments designed for the construction of workspaces of variable dimensions in very demanding environments in terms of hygrothermal, acoustic, and air quality. This innovative system will therefore allow the construction of large workspaces within existing buildings, as well as resizing and relocating the compartment throughout the product's lifecycle, thereby minimizing environmental impacts. In addition to intelligent monitoring and management systems, the integration of communication technologies, active lighting, and privacy controls, among other features, is included. Ideal to meet the needs of the industrial, laboratory, and healthcare sectors, the SELFLIVINGBOX project also strives to promote sustainability by combining efficiency, comfort, and innovation.

Project activities and expected results
The SELFLIVINGBOX project has a total duration of 36 months and work is expected to take place according to the following structure:

Activity 1 – Preliminary studies and concept development
Initially, this activity aims to acquire and systematize a set of essential knowledge and information, specifically related to the demands and functional requirements that the new solution must meet. To this end, technological surveillance will be carried out through detailed analysis of target markets and existing reference products that can compete with the new solution. From this assessment, it will be possible to define the strategy for its design.

Activity 2 – Implementation and development of constructive solutions
This activity aims to develop the design and engineering projects for the subsystems of the new solution, meeting the functional and sustainability requirements previously defined. Additionally, components will be identified that may be sold as optional kits, adding new functionalities to the basic configurations. During this phase, the materials and technologies will be defined, as well as the components and subsystems, both basic and optional, to be incorporated, with a focus on providing greater comfort, energy efficiency, environmental sustainability and competitiveness in the international market. To optimize the performance of subsystems and components, it will be essential to carry out numerical modelling studies of the main phenomena that influence the behaviour of the solution, such as thermal insulation, ventilation and air circulation, acoustic conditioning and structural behaviour.

Activity 3 – Prototyping and experimental validation
This activity aims to materialize and integrate the work developed in the previous stages through the construction of laboratory prototypes of the subsystems that will integrate the new solution. In this sense, the production process will be detailed, considering the dimensions and specifications of the solution, as well as manufacturing conditions, necessary human and material resources, execution times, among other factors, aiming to optimize construction processes. The main focus is the construction of laboratory prototypes and the development and/or improvement of the technological subsystems that will be integrated into the solution. To validate the technical solutions adopted, mechanical, acoustic, thermodynamic and electrical performance tests of the prototypes will be carried out, in addition to chemical, microbiological and air quality tests.

Activity 4 – Definition of manufacturing, transportation and assembly specifications
This activity aims to optimize the manufacturing, assembly and transportation process of prototypes, aiming for their future industrialization. This involves studying and adjusting manufacturing methods, introducing new assembly technologies, systematizing and documenting the production process, in addition to preparing technical dossiers of the subsystems and components of the new solution. The activity also focuses on defining technical parameters for the integration of sensors and automated control of the new solution's systems, using artificial intelligence. Furthermore, a detailed logistical analysis will be carried out, taking into account the transport, weight, volume and packaging of the components, with a view to export and the definition of commercial strategies for different markets.

Activity 5 – Experimental validation and demonstrator performance evaluation
This activity will focus on the manufacturing, assembly and validation of the prototype demonstrating the innovative solution in real operating conditions. The activity includes the integration of technological systems, instrumentation for monitoring the performance of subsystems and the validation of functionalities such as thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and electrical safety. In addition, assembly and installation processes will be optimized, and a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the new solution will be carried out, focusing on identifying environmental impacts and improving sustainability. The prototype will serve as a case study for promoting the system and preparing technical-scientific content.

Activity 6 – Dissemination of results
Through this activity, the aim is to ensure an effective and efficient dissemination of the results achieved within the scope of the research and development process associated with the project, for everyone involved, from the scientific community to target markets.