Staticus’ Hybrid Unitized Façade (HUF) system replaces aluminum with engineered timber to dramatically reduce embodied carbon, improve thermal performance, and enhance aesthetics, with prefabricated precision and future developments utilizing regenerative materials like willow.
Organization
Staticus
Project information
Staticus’ Hybrid Unitized Façade (HUF) system is a next-generation innovation that significantly reduces embodied carbon while maintaining the efficiency of unitized façade solutions. By replacing traditional aluminum mullions and transoms with engineered timber, HUF achieves a substantial reduction in CO₂ emissions while enhancing the thermal performance and aesthetic appeal of building interiors.
The system is designed for fast and precise installation, as all elements are prefabricated in a controlled factory environment, ensuring high quality and minimal on-site disruption.
A comparison of the HUF system profiles and standard aluminum system profiles for an indicative unitized curtain wall (1.5m x 3.6m) reveals a 70% reduction in embodied carbon emissions (kgCO₂/m per linear meter of profile) when comparing hybrid unitized profiles with high-content recycled aluminum to standard aluminum unitized profiles. This demonstrates the significant environmental benefits of the HUF system over traditional materials.
The first implementation of HUF system, using laminated pine, took place in 2024 at the Textiltorget project in Stockholm, Sweden, where the system achieved system U-value of 0.5-0.6 W/m²K and an average carbon emissions rate of 156 kgCO₂e/m² (Stage A1-A5). When compared to a standard aluminum unitized system, the embodied CO₂ emissions are reduced by up to 35%.
The next generation of HUF system is under development as part of the Danish Implement Materials grant. Staticus has partnered with PileByg, MOOW and Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects to implement the locally sourced, regenerative “Piletrae” (also known as Willow). This fast-growing resource reaches harvestable size in just 3-5 years, and also promotes significant biodiversity advantages, including phytoremediation of heavy metals.
Beyond sustainability, HUF also enhances architectural design and occupant well-being. Timber’s natural properties contribute to superior insulation, a warmer aesthetic, and improved recyclability at the end of a building’s lifecycle.
The project includes two facade mock-up’s; 1x laminated pine and 1x laminated willow