Jaigaist Secures Airtightness of Modular Housing... 'Zero Energy Building Level'

K-Construction, New Challenge
'Sangbu Inyang Method' Developed and Patented
High Assembly Precision and Work Safety

GS Construction and its modular detached housing subsidiary, XIGIEST, have secured technology that meets the domestic zero-energy housing airtightness performance standards related to modular housing. Through independent research and development, they have enhanced the airtightness, a core aspect of modular housing, enabling the supply of highly energy-efficient homes.

Jaigaist is installing modular houses using the 'upper lifting method' with a balance beam. This method was jointly developed by GS Construction and Jaigaist.
[Photo by GS Construction]

According to measurements conducted by GS Construction's Prefab Research Team and Eco-friendly Architecture Research Team, they achieved performance that satisfies the domestic zero-energy building airtightness standard of 1.5 ACH (Air Change Per Hour) or less. Airtightness performance is expressed as the hourly ventilation rate (ACH) occurring in a building when air is blown into it to maintain a pressure of 50 Pa (Pascal); the higher the airtightness, the lower the value.

According to the zero-energy housing airtightness guidelines from the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), the current target airtightness performance for multi-family housing is 3.0 ACH or less. The "Airtightness Performance Standards for Buildings" published by the Korea Society of Green Building and Environmental Equipment states that zero-energy buildings must meet an airtightness level of 1.5 ACH or less.

GS Construction succeeded in improving the airtightness, which had been pointed out as a weakness of modular housing, by enhancing the module lifting method and reinforcing the joints. XIGIEST applied a "lower lifting method" using sling belts during the installation of a sample house last year but identified an issue where the joints between modules were not 100% completed. To address this, they collaborated with GS Construction’s technology development organization, RIF Tech (LifeTech), to develop an "upper lifting method" and filed a patent for it.

The upper lifting method is characterized by securing higher assembly precision and work stability through a self-developed lifting system and balance beam during module lifting. Additionally, by applying finishing materials with airtightness performance and adjusting gaps between modules using expansion tape and specialized equipment, airtightness performance was dramatically improved. As a result, they secured technology that meets the zero-energy housing airtightness performance standards.

A XIGIEST representative stated, “By improving the lifting method and joint technology, we have enhanced the core airtightness of modular housing, enabling the supply of highly energy-efficient homes. We will continue research and development to improve technology and marketability of modular housing and lead the domestic modular housing market.”

Jaigaist CI. [Image provided by GS Construction]

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