Team:Karl Viriden, Viriden + Partner, ArchitectThomas Ammann, Viriden + Partner, ArchitectZurfluh Lottenbach, ingenieurbüro LuzernProf. Peter Hartmann, Zürcher Hochschule WinterthurHeinrich Huberm, Hochschule für Technik und Architektur Luzern
The buildings were under heritage protection and therefore the outer façade could not be changed. This project was very ambitious and it did not only improve the quality of life for the habitants but the energy balance as well. Many buildings are protected for heritage reasons and therefore can not be visually changed or replaced. This project showed that it is possible in historic buildings to lower the energy use - even down to the level demanded by the passive house standard.
To erect a new building with no (or very low) ultra-low energy use at service (for passive house) is a challenge which can be mastered nowadays. In Zurich and many other European cities it is often not possible to replace old real estates for monumental protection reasons. The aim of this project was to show that it is technically possible to achieve the MINERGIE-P status (Swiss label for passive houses).
individuals:Attractive appartement with high living comfort and very low energy costs.society:Old historical buildings are very important for the cultural heritage of the society. This project shows that it is possible to upgrad the energy balance and to conserve these buildings substances.economy:It costs more to reach the passive house status by renovation than by erect a complete new building. But some objects are unreplacable and therefore at long term it is economical to renovate with the aim for a low energy use.environment: Conserve old buildings helps to protect our urban environment.
The effect of this project for old cities can be enormous because it merges the aim of monumental protection and energy efficiency at constructions.(see explanations above)
Individual:less energy needed at domestic usesociety:conservation of cultural history and modernisation of energy supplyEconomy:minimal use of new materials (low grey energy import); additional costs for erection are profitable at long term because of lower maintenance costs.Environment:Low carbondioxid emission (almost neutral) and use of sustainable ressources.
Social: Conservation of cultural heritage within sustainable energy useEconomical: Higher erection costs but lower maintenance costs.Ecological: No use of fossil fuels; low overall energy consumption
This project shows that it is possible even for old buildings to accomplish a contemporary energy supply.