Contribution of Aluminium Industry to Development of Residential Housing as Part of 'Infrastructure for Life' National Project

11.12.2024 | Aluminium Association

On December 10-11, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation hosts the 7th International Forum 'Low-rise Russia 2024'. The Chair of the Aluminium Association spoke at several events, including the plenary session 'Development of residential housing within the framework of the 'Infrastructure for Life' national project' and round tables 'Effective Construction Technologies and Utility Systems' and 'Personnel Is Everything'.

'There has been a pronounced upward trend in private housing construction over the past five years. Housing built by individuals accounts for 67% of all commissioned housing. This trend has accelerated since 2020, and over the past year, the volume of private homes built has grown by 20%. In this segment, there is a large potential for the use of aluminium structures. Aluminium-based solutions have many advantages. Aluminium structures are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, strong, durable and aesthetically pleasing. Besides, in a closed-loop economy, aluminium has a significant advantage: it can be reprocessed almost infinitely,' said Irina Kazovskaya in her speech.

Construction accounts for 26% of our country's aluminium consumption. Modern conditions in the construction industry dictate strict requirements for the materials used, starting with safety and technical and economic indicators and ending with requirements for environmental soundness and aesthetic appeal of structures. In the construction of private homes, aluminium is used in almost all elements: glazed structures, roofing, facade cladding, garage doors, interior decoration and communications (wiring, ventilation, heating, etc.). Glazed structures incorporate a wide range of solutions, extending beyond just windows (including doors, panoramic glazing, sliding systems, winter gardens, dormer windows, cornices, roofs, ceilings, floors and more).

Modern residential buildings increasingly feature floor-to-ceiling glazing, and the size of windows is increasing. Aluminium glazing systems can increase natural light intensity in a room by 15%. This is achieved by installing window systems made with narrow extruded aluminium products. Furthermore, these systems are heat-effective, maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room even in winter, regardless of the area of glazing.

In the design and construction of cottages, it is particularly important that the materials used meet the criteria for environmental friendliness, energy efficiency, durability matching the building's life cycle and the recyclability of materials after the building is demolished. Modern aluminium-based solutions boast significantly better heating engineering, larger dimensions with reduced frame thickness, greater usability, integrated elements of climate systems and smart homes, and a long service life.

A major benefit of aluminium is its quick construction capability–nowadays, within just a few weeks, one can construct both a single house and an entire complex with essential fitness centres, sports arenas, restaurants, docking and transport infrastructure and more. Russian companies also offer a range of landscaping solutions: luminaires and supports, pergolas, bicycle parking areas, outdoor and garden furniture, pedestrian bridge sets.

During the plenary session 'Development of residential housing within the framework of the national project 'Infrastructure for Life', the Chair of the Aluminium Association expressed the opinion that modern technologies of pre-fabricated residential and public buildings allow for a new impetus for residential development in small towns and remote regions, with quick and efficient implementation of social and tourist infrastructure and renovation projects, including the reconstruction of healthcare and educational institutions, as well as transport infrastructure. Utilising modern technologies and components based on aluminium solutions, produced within the Russian Federation, will enhance the efficiency of design solutions: ensuring energy efficiency, durability, and the environmental and bacteriological purity of the materials used, which is particularly crucial in the design of social facilities.

Aluminium is a perfect material for the green economy due to its many advantages. It is lightweight, strong, ductile, corrosion-resistant and can be reprocessed almost indefinitely. The long life cycle and low cost of ownership make aluminium solutions cheaper than their counterparts. 80% of the aluminium produced in the history of the industry continues to be used to this day.

Moreover, aluminium solutions help address the talent shortage and conserve regional budgets thanks to the rapid delivery, assembly, and installation of the structure in the context of construction. Its advantages and environmental properties have allowed aluminium to become a leading structural material that meets all the requirements of the closed-loop economy. Contemporary alloys can greatly speed up construction, prolong the lifespan of completed structures and offset some of the initial expenses associated with dismantling them after their service life ends. 'We accomplished an unparalleled optimal time of 4 hours for constructing footbridges. Meanwhile, the requirement for human resources is minimal—4 installers,' added Irina Kazovskaya.