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Housing shortage in Germany: Innovative solutions in construction presented!
In Hamburg, a parking garage is being converted into living space, while pilot projects for simple and sustainable construction are being tested in Bavaria.
Housing shortage in Germany: Innovative solutions in construction presented!
At a time when living space is scarce and expensive in many cities, current projects show innovative approaches to creating additional living space. As the Time reports, a parking garage in Hamburg is being converted into living space, which could serve as a model for similar transformations in other cities. A research institute has calculated that such conversions could create a significant number of homes, particularly in urban areas with high housing needs.
Specifically, an extraordinary residential building is being built in Ingolstadt that intentionally violates existing building standards. This building is part of 19 pilot projects in Bavaria that are testing the “Building Type E” concept. This concept relies less on luxury and technology and is intended to significantly reduce construction costs. The federal government has also announced that it will provide legal protection for simple construction in order to give this trend further impetus.
Pilot projects in Bavaria
The Bavarian building regulations already make it easier to deviate from the usual standards, which should pave the way for experimental and sustainable construction. As the Bavarian state government reports, numerous pilot projects under the name “Building Type E” are currently running throughout Bavaria. The aim of these initiatives is to build cost-effective and resource-saving buildings that also meet the latest environmental standards.
The measures include, among other things, simplified building technology, reduced noise insulation and the use of alternative building materials. Accompanying scientific research will study the effects of these new planning approaches on costs and quality and examine how efficient the building regulations relief actually is.
Nationwide funding programs
In the context of these developments, the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction launched a call for funding for the “Pilot Projects – Innovations in the Building Sector” program on August 30, 2024. This is done by the Federal Government financially supported, providing 50.6 million euros for this purpose. The aim is to promote innovative approaches to climate-adapted and energy-efficient construction.
Individuals, companies, cooperatives and foundations can apply for funding, and the program is open to a variety of building typologies. A panel of experts will evaluate the project outlines, which can be submitted by November 12, 2024. An information event about the program will take place online on September 27, 2024 to provide interested parties with all relevant information.
These innovative construction projects are not only a step in the right direction in the fight against the housing shortage, but also offer new perspectives for future-proof and sustainably oriented construction in Germany.