CEPA Connect – Connecting Energy Flexible Approaches in Progressive Adaptive Circular Renovation

CEPA-Connect is a research and demonstration project that advances a new generation of circular, energy-active building envelopes for the serial renovation method. Based on the CEPA-Energyfacade, the project develops a multifunctional façade system that integrates insulation, renewable energy components and an exterior building activation layer for heating and cooling. This active layer enables buildings to use their existing thermal mass as a flexible energy storage system, reducing peak loads, increasing the use of renewable energy and improving resilience to fluctuating energy markets.

The project combines technological innovation with sustainability principles: circular material strategies, demountable construction, reuse concepts and life-cycle assessments ensure resource-efficient implementation. Digital methods — including dynamic building simulations — support the optimisation of system performance and adaptive control strategies.

A central milestone is the full-scale demonstration multi-storey residential building. Through serial prefabrication, minimal-invasive installation and integrated energy management, CEPA-Connect showcases how deep renovation can be accelerated while improving comfort, reducing energy demand and providing net- and market-serving flexibility.