Innovative renovation for Duderstadt's half-timbered structure: HAWK sets new standards!

Innovative renovation for Duderstadt's half-timbered structure: HAWK sets new standards!

In Duderstadt, there is currently a lot of work being done on the renovation of the local history museum. This four-year project is supported by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HAWK), which develops innovative approaches to energy-efficient renovation. Financial resources come from the “Innovation through universities and research institutions” program of the European Regional Development Fund. Under the project name “Reallabor Fachwerk 4.0 – Digitalization and well-being in existing buildings (DigiWoBe)”, the focus is on technical, economic and social factors of energy-saving renovations. The focus is not only on thermal comfort, but also on quality of life during the renovation work, as [HNA] reports.

The HAWK has set itself the goal of developing practical solutions for owners, municipalities and politicians. Innovative sensor technology and AI-supported simulations are used. A central component of the project is the partial energy renovation of the local museum, in which various building insulation standards are tested with regard to comfort and energy efficiency. The focus is also on the willingness of users to pay. In addition, a cost-effective measurement kit is being developed that will enable monitoring of energy efficiency, comfort and building fabric.

Important players in the energy transition

The importance of homeowners in the heating transition cannot be overestimated. According to information from energie-klimaschutz.de, the heat requirement, which accounts for around half of final energy consumption, is a decisive factor in the energy transition. Energy-efficient buildings are particularly important in achieving the climate goals by 2050. Currently only 30% of old single and two-family houses have been renovated, which shows that there is urgent need to catch up.

KfW plans to further advance the standard for energy-saving houses in order to equip the buildings with efficient thermal insulation. However, simplified funding conditions and coordinated advisory services are important for successful implementation - a challenge that many private developers are faced with. The solution could be to create regional networks that provide greater clarity and positive examples.

Technological innovations for half-timbered buildings

The energetic renovation of half-timbered houses, which many of us know from our childhood, is about more than just modern connection techniques. Special know-how is required here to avoid moisture damage and maintain the cozy atmosphere. The Fraunhofer IBP’s “Demonstration Center for Construction and Energy” is therefore researching suitable insulation materials. Various materials such as mineral foam and highly insulating airgel-based insulation materials are used here to meet the requirements of historical buildings.

The researchers simulate the suitability of these materials and test them in practice to find out which solutions are best suited. Results are recorded in a database and enable a comprehensive analysis of the insulation materials under real conditions. This knowledge flows directly into the training of craftsmen and enables them to integrate the newly gained knowledge into future projects.

The project in Duderstadt and the methods used there are not only groundbreaking for the region, but also offer a glimpse of the future of energy-saving renovation throughout Germany. The HAWK's collaboration with local providers and institutions, such as the city of Duderstadt and the “Fachwerk5Eck” office, shows how closely linked science and practice can be. The university also focuses on the preservation of cultural assets and is also involved in projects such as “Marienburg 2030” in order to preserve historical values ​​for future generations.