The Challenge:

‍A typical multi-family building from the late 1950s in Mönchengladbach, which, with its 22 residential units, exemplifies the urgent need for modernization in post-war architecture. Massive heat losses, an outdated fossil gas heating system, and a classification in the poor energy efficiency classes D and E characterized the situation prior to the renovation. Such highly deficient existing buildings offer immense potential for the decarbonization of the real estate sector. The declared goal of this forward-looking project was to transform the building into a state-of-the-art Efficiency House 55 (Effizienzhaus 55) through serial renovation and to achieve completely greenhouse gas-neutral operation (NetZero Emissions).

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The Approach:

‍The key to success lay in the intelligent, minimally invasive modernization of the thermal building envelope. Industrially prefabricated timber frame facade modules, manufactured with millimeter precision, were installed in a time-saving manner in front of the old walls. They come fully equipped from the factory with triple-glazed thermal insulation windows, roller shutters, and an elegant clapboard siding made of pre-grayed fir wood. Additionally, the pitched roof was re-roofed and equipped with a high-performance photovoltaic system, while the basement and top-floor ceilings received a massive layer of insulation. In the basement, the old gas boilers gave way to a modern air-to-water heat pump system. The technical update was rounded off by a new decentralized ventilation system and the installation of spacious add-on aluminum balconies that open up the living space to the outside.

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The Result:

‍Convincing proof of how building sins of the past in dire need of renovation can be turned into future-proof, climate-neutral living spaces through serial prefabrication. The project in Mönchengladbach shines with a sensational 85 percent reduction in final energy consumption and a direct leap into the top energy efficiency class A+. The symbiosis of strong thermal insulation, a heat pump, and the use of self-generated solar power reduces annual operating costs to a minimum. Thus, this project combines consistent climate protection with economic foresight and, through the modern timber facade, the optimized indoor climate, and the new balconies, creates outstanding added value for residents, owners, and the environment.

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