Cracow University of Technology

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Transport of Krakow University of Technology is one of Poland’s leading centres for research and education in building engineering, building physics and sustainable construction. The Faculty contributes expertise in the design, testing and performance assessment of building envelope systems, supporting innovation towards energy-efficient, resilient and sustainable buildings.

The research focuses on the mechanical and durability testing of joints and their impact on vibroacoustic, thermal, and microclimatic comfort. Its research integrates laboratory testing, full-scale experimental facilities, Living Lab demonstrations, field measurements and advanced numerical simulations to investigate the performance of building envelope components and whole buildings.

Research topics include thermal performance, airtightness, moisture control, indoor environmental quality, energy efficiency, renovation of existing buildings and the implementation of innovative, low-carbon construction solutions.

Facilities and capabilities

• Laboratory facilities for mechanical (static and fatigue), durability, structural, thermal and vibroacoustic testing of envelope components and their connections
• Monitoring and validation in real buildings for performance assessment through field measurements
• Measurement of thermal and moisture-related properties of building materials
• Indoor air quality assessment 
• Indoor environmental quality assessment 
• Evaluation of how façade systems affect energy use, daylight, ventilation, indoor air quality and occupant comfort
• Monitoring and validation of innovative solutions in real buildings

This evidence-based approach to innovation links laboratory analysis with real conditions and contributes to the development of high-performance building envelope solutions.