Belgian deep-tech and high-tech start-up NEXOFAB, an acronym for "Next Generation Exo 'Around the Sun' Factory Automated Building," is poised to radically transform the global construction industry. Led by CEO and co-founder Jan Pee, an experienced and visionary tech entrepreneur, NEXOFAB promises to not only set a new standard for how we build, manage energy and design sustainable living, but also provide affordable and cost-effective solutions for the average builder.
NEXOFAB is built on a foundation of technological advancement and sustainability. At the heart of their innovation is advanced Nexo technology, which provides a revolutionary way to create durable, flexible precast building elements. These elements, known as the Nexo Prefab Construction System (NPCS), form the basis of a new kind of architecture. What makes them unique is the integration of crucial infrastructure such as pipes, cabling and drains, along with renewable energy components such as printed solar cells. These Energetic Prefab Elements (EPE) are not only functional and aesthetic, but transform buildings and infrastructure into self-sufficient, energy-producing units. This is not just an evolution, it represents a fundamental paradigm shift that will rewrite the traditional construction industry.
What really sets NEXOFAB apart is their deep focus on smart energy management. The nexoSMART and nexoGRID systems are the beating heart of their vision. These advanced, AI-powered systems monitor and optimize the energy consumption of building structures and distributed networks. NexoSMART adjusts energy consumption in real time, maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste. NexoGRID takes this to the next level by enabling seamless integration of renewable energy sources into wider networks, significantly improving the stability and sustainability of the entire system. With these systems, NEXOFAB not only sets new standards for energy efficiency in the building sector, but also for creating truly autonomous, sustainable living environments. This makes their technologies essential to the future of construction and energy management.
NEXOFAB combines the power of Large-Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Continuous Fiber Additive Manufacturing (CFAM) to produce modular precast building elements that are both functional and future-proof. These building elements are designed to do more than just stand the test of time; they generate their own energy and are flexible enough to evolve with changing needs.
Led by Ronald Grefhorst, NEXOFAB's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), NEXOFAB uses recycled, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics to create lightweight, robust precast elements. Ronald and his team develop the advanced composite solutions critical to the structural integrity of precast elements. Their innovations not only ensure improved performance, but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing waste and reintroducing materials into the construction cycle.
NEXOFAB's patented technologies such as Nexo Continuous Fiber Processing and Nexo Simultaneous Gas Injection are setting new standards in the construction industry. By injecting CO₂ into recycled thermoplastics during the printing process, the materials' insulation and fire resistance are improved, while simultaneously sequestering carbon. This enhances the ecological value of any structure built with NEXOFAB's technologies. The integration of solar energy into precast building elements is one of the most innovative aspects of NEXOFAB's approach. By incorporating solar cells directly into the outer layers of these structures, the company creates precast elements that not only produce energy, but also contribute to the aesthetics and functionality of the building. This makes NEXOFAB's Energetic Prefab Elements (EPE) an integral part of their Nexo Prefab Construction and Infrastructure Systems (NPCS & NPIS).
NEXOFAB's solar-powered prefabricated elements represent a new way to integrate energy into buildings. A typical 160-square-meter home built with Nexo technology can generate up to 11 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy daily, which is more than enough for an average household. Any excess energy can be stored or fed back into the grid, contributing to a more sustainable, decentralized energy grid.
NEXOFAB is ready to demonstrate the global potential of their technologies with a pilot project in the Netherlands. Here they will build a fully functional home, including driveway and sound barrier, using their advanced precast technologies. This project serves as tangible proof of the power and versatility of NEXOFAB's systems. In addition, pilot projects are planned worldwide, including in Australia, Scandinavia, India, Europe, Asia and North America, highlighting the international interest and support for NEXOFAB's revolutionary approach. With a production speed that can deliver a complete home within just five to six hours, NEXOFAB is poised to disrupt traditional construction methods, address global housing shortages and significantly accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
A key strength of NEXOFAB's approach is affordability and cost-effectiveness. Advanced Nexo technology enables the production of high-quality precast building elements at a lower cost, making sustainable building solutions accessible to a wider audience. This affordability means that the benefits of NEXOFAB's innovative technologies are available not only to large projects and high-end customers, but also to the average builder. This makes sustainable and energy-efficient building solutions accessible to a much wider range of customers.
NEXOFAB actively seeks strategic partners who share their vision and want to contribute to a more sustainable world. Whether investors, technology partners or industry leaders, NEXOFAB welcomes collaboration to further develop and scale their innovative technologies. These partnerships are essential to maximize the impact of NEXOFAB's technologies worldwide and set a new standard in the construction industry.
At NEXOFAB, sustainability is at the heart of everything they do. Using recycled thermoplastics and advanced precast technologies, they create a circular system in which materials and elements are constantly reused. This approach not only reduces waste, but also ensures that their structures are both durable and flexible, ready to meet future needs.
"Our commitment to circularity means that every precast element we produce is part of a continuous cycle of use and reuse," explains Jan Pee. "This ensures that our buildings not only meet today's sustainability standards, but are also prepared for tomorrow's challenges."
NEXOFAB is at the dawn of a new era in construction. Their pioneering technologies and visionary approach position them as a trusted industry leader. As the world searches for smarter, faster and more sustainable construction methods, NEXOFAB offers an inspiring glimpse of what is possible, a future where buildings not only provide shelter, but also contribute to more sustainable energy management and inspire us to a better, greener world.
"And this is just the beginning," adds Jan Pee. "With innovations such as nexoINDUCTION, nexoMAGNETICS and nexoLIGHT in development, we are poised to further revolutionize the construction industry, and NEXOFAB will lead this change."