ROOFBOX – Resource efficient redensification of large scale multi-story buildings with pre-fabricated modules in timber construction

Starting point

Due to the impact on energy policy, spatial planning and national economics high quality renovation and redensification of existing urban settlements have highest importance for sustainable development. Renovation and redensification of existing urban settlements significantly contributes to the reduction of energy consumption of buildings, energy caused by mobility as well as to the reduction of exhaustible resources (e.g. soil).

Targets and results

Target of the project is the development of prefabricated modules in wood construction for the redensification/loft extension of existing large-volume residential buildings. Within the project a technological-constructive basic typology will be generated, which allows cost effective redensification of buildings from 1945 – 1980. The ROOFBOX concept enables coincidental respectively later renovation of the building stock below. On following levels the project contributes to the targets of the e!MISSION.at program:

• Resource efficient generation of living space – no additional soil sealing
• Increase of energy efficiency in the building sector by optimised use of existing technical, economic and social infrastructure (building services, utility service for daily needs, etc.)
• Benefits for national economy by the generation of low-cost, energy optimised living space on “top location”
• For housing companies the construction of new floor space for sale and rental on the roof of existing buildings enables energy efficient and ecological renovation of the existing stock below
• Cost reduction by standardised, quality improved technology
• Quality control by standardisation and prefabrication
• Social benefits – reduction of the construction period leads to less annoyance for the tenants
• Cost efficient integration of alternative energy concepts (like active solar energy systems) by standardised, quality improved technology.