Bochum – Wichernstraße
As part of a forward-looking renovation project, three apartment buildings from 1965 in Bochum, totaling 18 residential units, underwent comprehensive modernization in 2023. VBW Bauen und Wohnen GmbH, in partnership with ecoworks, carried out serial renovations to bring the buildings up to the KfW55 EE energy standard. These measures have drastically reduced energy consumption and further support the transition to a climate-neutral building stock.
Overview
The Challenge:
Three apartment buildings in Bochum, built in 1965, faced the typical issues of their era: high energy losses, outdated structures, and an urgent need for comprehensive modernization to meet today’s and tomorrow’s standards. This is a common scenario in many residential neighborhoods. The goal was to dramatically improve energy performance through serial renovation, achieve the KfW55 EE standard, and ensure the long-term climate-neutral, socially responsible quality of life and appeal of all 18 units.
The Approach:
The project centered on a thorough serial renovation. Facades were thermally upgraded with industrially prefabricated modules clad in highly insulating Douglas fir panels. Roofs received new structural elements and were nearly fully covered with photovoltaic modules to generate on-site electricity. A centralized air-source heat pump now provides heating and hot water, powered by a mix of self-generated solar energy and externally sourced green electricity. Each unit was fitted with a ventilation system featuring heat recovery to supply fresh air while minimizing energy loss. Living comfort and accessibility were further improved with new balconies, barrier-free entrances, renovated stairwells, and energy-efficient entryways. Altogether, the building envelope was upgraded to meet the KfW55 EE energy standard.
The Result:
The project achieved climate-neutral, socially sustainable building operations in line with the KfW55 EE standard, significantly reducing energy costs for residents. The comprehensive modernization created a future-ready, sustainable living environment, greatly enhancing comfort and building appeal. Completed in 2023 on Wichernstraße, this project is a strong example of how serial renovation can make carbon-neutral housing accessible to all, delivering real value for tenants, property owners, and the climate.
H ➔ A
Energy Efficiency Class
Improvement from a worst-performing building to KfW Efficiency House 55 standard
138.1 t
CO₂ Emissions Savings
Emissions reduction and PV credit lower CO2-Balance from 131.2 t to -6.9 t
- 90 %
Energy Demand
Improvement of energy demand from 271 kWh/m²a to 27 kWh/m²a
Maßnahmen im Überblick
Fassaden
The old facades are energetically reinforced by 32 cm thick, industrially prefabricated façade modules. The facades clad with Douglas fir wood are highly insulated and meet the KfW55 EE standard.
Dach
The existing roof has mineral wool inter-rafter insulation. The roof covering is removed and covered with new roof modules, which are almost completely covered with photovoltaic modules.
Fenster
The old windows are removed from the outside in a minimally invasive manner. In addition, external sun protection through electrically controlled shutters will be installed in all apartment windows.
Balkone
Rückbau der vorhandenen Balkonanlagen mit anschließendem Anbau moderner Aluminium-Vorstellbalkone.
Keller
The basement ceiling is insulated with mineral wool. The gas heating system was dismantled and replaced by a heat pump, which is operated from a mix of self-produced electricity from the in-house photovoltaic system and purchased green electricity as a tenant electricity model.
Heizung
Die bestehende Gasheizung wurde zurückgebaut und durch eine Wärmepumpe ersetzt.
Hauseingänge
Energieversorgung
Die Energieversorgung erfolgt über ein Mieterstrommodell aus selbst erzeugtem Strom der hauseigenen Photovoltaikanlage und zugekauftem Grünstrom.
Leitungen
Gallery
