6 Myths About Serial Renovation
When ecoworks first brought serial renovation to Germany in 2019, many were skeptical. The industry often called it "purely theoretical." Embracing the approach and actually implementing projects was a bold decision by a few.
Now, it's an established method. Worldwide, numerous projects, technical innovations, and startups are dedicated to the idea of serial renovation. In Germany, property owners increasingly rely on industrial prefabrication for energy-efficient renovations.
Interest in serial approaches has grown enormously in recent years. Yet, some myths persist. Are they still valid or outdated?
Myth #1: Serial Renovation Only Applies to Simple Buildings!
Initially, serial renovations focused on two- to four-story buildings with simple typologies. Now, technology allows for more roof and facade shapes. Even extensions and buildings up to the high-rise limit of nine stories are manageable. We're developing solutions for integrating building technology into facades without permits and advancing designs for complex facade geometries.
Serial renovation is evolving, gaining flexibility. We can now serve over 50% of inquiries, and we aim to increase this by another 10-20% in the coming months and years.
Myth #2: Serial Renovation is Too Expensive!
Conventional renovations often involve many individual measures over a long period with moderate efficiency goals. Serial renovations take a holistic approach (bundled measures) with shorter construction times and ambitious efficiency goals (Efficiency House 55 EE). Depending on the renovation depth, the efficient building shell and renewable energy for heating and electricity complement each other.
Due to cost reductions, the total cost of an industrially prefabricated project (Efficiency House 55 EE) is now about 10-20% higher than a conventional renovation (Efficiency House 70). This gap is offset by KfW funding, especially the 15% serial renovation bonus. Considering factors like renovation during occupancy, energy cost savings, and increased asset value, serial renovations are already competitive.
A key factor is missing in individual project assessments: the "serial" aspect. A serial pilot concept can renovate many similar properties with minor adjustments. This lowers planning costs, and prefabrication becomes cheaper with increasing volume through industrial cost degression.
Myth #3: Serially Renovated Buildings All Look the Same!
While tastes from the 1950s to 1980s are debatable, a building's architecture remains after renovations. So, what should be expected of serial renovation?
Unfortunately, aesthetic considerations are rare in building renovations today. Even newly renovated developments often feature thermal insulation composite systems and plaster facades. Renovating the exterior facade is an opportunity to modernize a building architecturally. Extensive sampling catalogs and a wide selection of colors and materials allow for individual exterior designs despite serial production. Serial renovation with a well-developed design concept can achieve a higher aesthetic standard, as seen in our diverse current and planned projects.
Myth #4: Renovating to Efficiency House 55 Isn't Worth It!
The paths to decarbonization are as diverse as German building stock. Companies strive to choose the best renovation strategy for their portfolio, often sharing a goal: successfully transforming buildings to low-temperature capability.
A serial approach makes achieving this transformation easy. By discussing goals, desires, and obstacles, an optimum of energy efficiency and construction costs can be developed for every need. Knowledge of funding opportunities can often lead to higher efficiency classes. The KfW grant for serially renovated Efficiency House 55 EE buildings is 35%, compared to only 10% for conventionally renovated Efficiency House 70 buildings. It depends on careful consideration and good advice.
Achieving climate neutrality across all housing stock is difficult to finance – affordable climate neutrality is only possible through a smart, scalable approach.
Myth #5: Serial Renovation Only Works If No Prior Renovations Have Been Done!
ecoworks' serial renovation is a multi-trade concept. Typically, the building shell, basement, and roof are renewed, PV systems and heat pumps are installed, and extensions or balconies are added. But this approach isn't limited to buildings that are completely unrenovated.
The process targets inefficient buildings in energy classes D-H with high renovation needs. This corresponds to about 65% of multi-family homes in Germany. Existing measures can be considered and integrated into renovation concepts. Extensive prefabrication of entire building shells from a factory is unnecessary only for nearly fully renovated buildings.
Myth #6: Facade Element Maintenance is Unsustainable!
We often see this question as an argument against wood, which naturally grays over time. However, serial facades can be made from various durable materials.
Well-seasoned wood offers ecological advantages and elegant design options with deliberate graying. Fiber cement can be used in various structures and colors, offering high weather and light resistance for decades. Another option is thin brick slips, which can create brick looks. The possibilities are diverse. The only exception is plaster facades, which cannot be delivered to the site without damage for logistical reasons, and they aren't the easiest to maintain anyway.
Do you have any further questions, comments or criticism regarding the serial restructuring? Then feel free to leave us a comment or ask us personally:
