The Façade Service Application project, developed in the Netherlands with the support of EU-funding, is revolutionising building maintenance via the use of sensors, drones, and artificial intelligence to reduce costs and make living and working spaces more affordable.
- 03 July 2019
Innovative start-ups who not only think about technological progress, but also look at how an innovation can create a better world, are very inspiring. FASA involved education at an early stage to find a better link between a changing labour market – for example through digitisation – and the necessary innovation within education. The entire city can benefit from this.
Three Dutch companies operating in the real estate and construction industries are developing new solutions to building inspection, to end the ongoing cycle of building maintenance. Together with 39 public and private partners, they are developing the Façade Service Application (FASA).
Sensors, drones and artificial intelligence
The disruptive, digital platform uses sensors, drones and artificial intelligence to provide continuous insight and objective measurements on the technical and aesthetic performance of residential and commercial building facades. Specifically, FASA helps prevent the breakdown of components, recognises heat leaks, and inspects the integrity and safety of a balcony.
Building maintenance has a substantial influence on the health, affordability, and sustainability of the offices, homes, and other buildings we spend our time in. However, traditional approaches to building maintenance typically focus on the short-term. This results in higher long-term maintenance costs and overall deterioration of the building’s components – a deterioration that creates new health and safety risks that must be addressed through additional maintenance.
FASA not only maps the current state of buildings. Thanks to the use of smart algorithms, it predicts future maintenance needs. According to project researchers, this duo-capability lowers maintenance costs and, in doing so, increases the affordability of homes and office space. It facilitates a circular economy, where products and raw materials from these buildings can be slated for use in other projects. For realtors and assessors, FASA is a valuable tool for accurately determining the long-term value of a property.
The project includes a training component. In anticipation of the evolving needs of the industry, FASA has developed a range of educational activities geared towards developing the professional competences of both students and current employees.
Ongoing work and development
The application remains a work-in-progress. Project partners are currently developing the data analytic software that FASA’s inspection standards will be based on. They are in the early stages of designing a sensor capable of measuring aesthetic performance, image recognition algorithms, and drone-based data collection technology. With operating permits for using drones within the built environment secured, several initial tests have been successfully completed, including one involving social housing corporations.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Façade Service Application” is EUR 4 205 452, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 1 682 180 through the “West Netherlands” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Research and innovation”.