Erlangen – Heinrich-Hertz-Quartier
In Erlangen-Bruck, ecoworks completed its largest project to date in 2025: the renovation of several multi-family buildings built in 1962 and 1963 for GEWOBAU Erlangen. During the project, a new installation record was set in serial renovation by installing a new building envelope with approximately 1,000 square meters of facade area in a record time of just one week.
Overview
The Challenge:
A large residential neighborhood in Erlangen, with uniform buildings typical of many older housing estates, faced significant renovation needs, high energy losses, and outdated technical systems. These neighborhoods present both challenges and opportunities for the energy transition in the building sector because of their scale and uniformity. This pioneering project aimed to show how large-scale, serial renovation can deliver efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective modernization across an entire neighborhood.
The Approach:
The project focused on a deep, serial energy-efficient renovation of the neighborhood. Prefabricated timber-frame façade modules—complete with insulation, windows, electric blinds for sun protection, ventilation elements, and fiber cement panels with a wood finish—were quickly installed on the existing structures. The roofs were fully refurbished, including repairs and the addition of photovoltaic systems to harness renewable energy. Old gas heating systems were replaced with modern heat pumps, and basement ceilings were upgraded with mineral wool insulation to maximize energy efficiency.
The Result:
This project demonstrates the strengths of serial renovation, especially in large residential areas, by enabling efficient, sustainable, and economically viable modernization. The Erlangen initiative has set a new benchmark for renovating entire housing estates, resulting in a significant improvement in energy performance, a better living environment, and real added value for residents, housing companies, and the environment.
C ➔ A+
Energy Efficiency Class
Upgrading to KfW Efficiency House 55 standard
391.4 t
CO₂ Emissions Savings
Emissions reduction and PV credit lower CO2-Balance from 345.9 t to –45.6 t CO₂e/y
- 70 %
Energy Demand
Improvement of energy demand from 80.1 kWh/m²a to 24 kWh/m²a
“We aimed to significantly improve the living comfort for our tenants while keeping their utility costs stable in the long term through substantial energy savings. A particular advantage was that our tenants could remain in their apartments throughout the serial modernization. Our collaboration with ecoworks has demonstrated how innovative renovation concepts help us position our properties sustainably and economically for the future. The results are very convincing and create real added value for our tenants and the city of Erlangen.”
Maßnahmen im Überblick
Fassaden
The prefabricated timber frame façade modules with integrated insulation, windows, shading and ventilation are clad with wood-effect fiber cement panels and are attached to the existing wall in a short time on the pre-assembled consoles.
Dach
The roof covering is removed, the roof overhang is dismantled and the dilapidated areas in the roof are repaired. The roof modules are covered with photovoltaic modules on both sides.
Fenster
The windows are already integrated into the prefabricated façade elements, so that the old windows can be removed minimally invasively during installation. External sun protection is installed in all apartment windows through electrically controlled shutters.
Balkone
Keller
The gas heating systems are being replaced by heat pumps and the roofs are covered with photovoltaics. The basement ceiling is insulated with mineral wool.
Heizung
Die Gasheizungen werden durch Wärmepumpen ersetzt.
Hauseingänge
Energieversorgung
Leitungen
The gas heating systems are being replaced with heat pumps, and the roofs are being fitted with photovoltaic panels.
Gallery
