The tre3 research project: a hybrid timber-frame wall system for emergency housing facilities

The TRE3 research project focuses on the development of a new and innovative timber frame wall modulus for emergency housing facilities. The wall modulus, in this paper referred to as Hybrid Timber Frame (HTF) wall system, is an evolution of the traditional Light-Frame Timber (LFT) structural systems and combines the advantages and some peculiar aspects of lightweight structures to the potentialities of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels. This hybrid approach makes the HTF structural system suitable for the production of light and high-performing wall moduli, allowing an advanced prefabrication process, fast assembling procedures and a simple disassembly. The paper provides a description of the HTF wall system following a multidisciplinary approach. Particular attention is paid to the mechanical and geometrical characterisation of three HTF wall moduli, used to assemble different housing units. The structural design is carried out by considering severe loading conditions (which include snow, wind and earthquake) so that the temporary units assembled with the HTF moduli can be used in most of the Italian regions. Furthermore, in this paper, specific aspects such as logistics, architectural details and building physics are analysed and critically discussed.