A Smarter Façade for Better ‑ Performing Buildings
Buildings are expected to do more than ever:
keep occupants comfortable, respond to changing weather, manage energy demands and remain valuable over time.
ZERAF introduces a new way
for façades to work.
Benefits
How ZERAF works
ZERAF transforms the façade from a static barrier into a system that actively adapts to real conditions. In other words, it acts as a thermal modulator.
Instead of behaving the same way all year round, the façade adjusts how it manages heat in response to changing weather and internal conditions.
Instead of behaving the same way all year round, the ZERAF façade actively adapts, adjusting modulating heat exchange with the environment to improve comfort and performance when it matters most.
Our goal is to make low energy, low carbon buildings achievable using a façade system that
is simple, robust and effective.
benefits
Why ZERAF
ZERAF improves building performance.
But its real value lies in reducing operational complexity, lowering risk, and supporting long‑term building
performance over time.
BENEFITS
Who benefits from ZERAF
Building owner & asset manager
Operate buildings with fewer day‑to‑day issues, more stable indoor conditions, and more predictable performance over time.
Architects
Design buildings where façade performance is integrated from the start, without adding complexity to the project.
Developers
Reduce the risk of performance gaps after delivery, with façade‑ driven performance that behaves as expected in real conditions.
Investors
Reduce exposure to long‑term uncertainty, with performance that is measurable and more predictable over time.
Public authorities
Improve indoor conditions in public buildings such as schools and offices, while reducing recurring operational issues.
APPLICATIONS
Designed for Real Buildings
ZERAF is developed as a prefabricated façade system, designed to integrate into both:
The system is modular and can be applied at different scales, depending on the building context.
INVESTORS
From Demonstration to First Applications
NEWS AND EVENTS
News and events
Stay updated on prototype development, testing campaigns, and technological improvements from the ZERAF team.
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Registrations Open – ZERAF Workshop at REbuild Riva del Garda, May 2026
Adaptive Facades for new living models. Efficiency, comfort and value in Real Estate ZERAF invites real‑estate professionals, investors, developers, building…
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A new technical article on Build Up about the potential of adaptive facades for low energy buildings
A new article on BUILD UP, “Building envelopes: adaptive façades for low-energy, climate-responsive buildings,” explores how adaptive façades, including opaque…
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ZERAF at REBUILD Madrid (24–26 March)
Eurac Research presents a functional prototype of ZERAF, an adaptive opaque façade system developed within a EIC – European Innovation…
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ZERAF search collaborations for real‑world pilot buildings
ZERAF is entering a new phase focused on implementation and validation in real building environments through living‑lab and pilot‑scale collaborations.…
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ZERAF, a smart building component
ZERAF envisions a new generation of building façades that actively reduce unnecessary energy use while maintaining indoor comfort. Rather than…
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ZERAF featured in EURAC magazine interview: Intelligent Disruption
ZERAF is featured in a new interview published by EURAC Research magazine, titled “Intelligent Disruption”. The interview explores how research‑driven…













