Systematic renovation of social housing

From the discussion of different possibilities of social housing retrofitting, it is shown in this study that it this cannot be done without an holistic context. The methodical approach of a systematic procedure allowed to combine different dimensions in an interdisciplinary way in order to develop the optimal solution. An optimum is characterised by a balance of vested interest of all relevant groups. Furthermore it should initiate positive changes.

The first phase of the proposed retrofit of the “Europasiedlung” innovation does not refer to areas of building materials or energy management, but indicates the systemic process character of the approach to the topic. Hence it could be inferred, that the respective settlement would have probably been a subject to the “Steiermärkischen Wohnbaugesetz” without this study. However, as we could show, this would have entailed negative consequences on a micro as well as on a macro level. The increasing housing costs would induce an augmented migration and therefore raise the rate of vacancies, which in turn would imply an inefficient investment of altogether scarce private and public funds. In addition, it became apparent that a singular approach in terms of single property developer could not contribute to a solution for the current situation in Eisenerz. Only when results from a field research over the housing situation in Eisenerz are available, it becomes feasible and meaningful to decide on the future proceeding concerning the “Europasiedlung” on the basis of the results of this study. To avoid any resulting disadvantages for the residents, and to ensure sustainability in all its dimensions, certain defects will need to be corrected.

· Social sustainability: minimising the increase in rent.

· Economic sustainability: implementation of all measures that constitute a basis for further reconstructions which do not exhibit any redundancies.

· Ecological sustainability: implementation of any measures which exhibit the largest reduction of energy consumption in relation to the amount of required investments.

This approach has been presented to the residents and has found wide acceptance among the residents.

The study has shown how a systemic optimum can be achieved in reconstruction on a micro as well as on a macro level. The presented criteria are equally applicable to any reconstruction project in the entire federal territory.