Hameln – Kuckuck
As part of a pioneering renovation project, an energy-inefficient apartment block from the 1930s in Hameln was comprehensively modernized. Completed in 2019, this first Energiesprong pilot project in Germany aimed to transform the building into an energy-plus (NetZero) home through serial renovation and the Energiesprong approach. It marked a milestone for climate-neutral housing in Germany, with its positive energy balance verified by monthly metering since 2021.
Overview
The Challenge:
A residential building in Hameln served as the first real-world test for the Energiesprong renovation concept in Germany. The goal was to show how even older, energy-inefficient buildings could be transformed to meet future standards, achieving a NetZero energy balance while setting a new benchmark for fast, innovative, and sustainable modernization.
The Approach:
The project fully embraced the Energiesprong concept. Highly insulated, prefabricated facade elements with larch wood cladding and integrated windows were installed, along with decentralized ventilation units featuring heat recovery and recycled glass wool insulation. A robust photovoltaic system was added for maximum on-site energy generation. Heating and hot water are provided by an efficient heat pump connected to two thermal storage tanks. Additional upgrades included an ultrafiltration system for water treatment, new radiators, and smart sensors to optimize building technology and maximize efficiency and comfort.
The Result:
The Hameln building, completed in 2019, stands as a groundbreaking success. It operates as an energy-plus house at NetZero level, consistently generating more energy than it consumes, as confirmed by monthly measurements since 2021. This pilot project demonstrates the technical feasibility and effectiveness of the Energiesprong concept in Germany, delivering outstanding comfort and minimal energy costs for residents. It marks a milestone in sustainable renovation, providing lasting value for residents, property owners, and the environment.
H ➔ A
Energy Efficiency Class
Improvement from a worst-performing building to KfW Efficiency House 55 standard
92.6 t
CO₂ Emissions Savings
Emissions reduction and PV credit lower CO2-Balance from 81.2 t to -11.4 t
- 95 %
Energy Demand
Improvement of energy demand from 302 kWh/m²a to 15 kWh/m²a
“This pilot project [Kuckuck in Hameln] was the much-anticipated and often-cited major challenge, but from both a technical and design perspective, we achieved a convincing result in my view—one that will hopefully inspire many to follow our example.”
Maßnahmen im Überblick
Fassaden
The façade elements consist of larch wood cladding (7 meters long, 2.85 meters high and 36 centimeters thick) including recycled glass wool insulation, windows and decentralized ventilation elements with heat recovery.
Dach
The roof was fitted with insulated roof elements and photovoltaic panels were installed.
Fenster
The old windows were removed from the outside in a minimally invasive manner and the window reveals were covered with a high-quality window frame.
Balkone
Keller
The cellar ceilings were insulated. A heat pump with two heat accumulators for heating and hot water was installed. Water treatment is carried out using an ultra-filtration system. New radiators have been installed in the apartments and new, smart sensors enable optimal control of home technology.
Heizung
Neue Heizkörper wurden in den Wohnungen installiert und neue, smarte Sensoren ermöglichen eine optimalen Steuerung der Haustechnik.
Hauseingänge
Energieversorgung
Eine Wärmepumpe mit zwei Wärmespeichern für Heizung und Warmwasser wurde installiert. Die Wasseraufbereitung erfolgt über eine Ultra-Filtrationsanlage.
Leitungen
Gallery
