REVITALIZING STRUCTURALIZM
APPROACHES TO THE REVITALIZATION OF HOUSING ESTATES OF THE ERA OF STRUCTURALISM
Alexander Eberl, Dipl.-Ing.
Status: ongoing
Supervisor: Prof. Brian Cody
Abstract
Based on the FFG-funded cooperative research project SONTE - Smart Modernization Terrassenhaussiedlung, which develops a participatory, comprehensive modernization concept for Terrassenhaussiedlung Graz, the transferability of the developed concepts to other residential buildings requiring renovation is investigated. The focus of this work is on housing estates of the 60s and 70s of the 20th century, built according to structuralist design principles. These include in particular projects, which are based on participatory planning models and offer adaptability to the occupants. A frequent feature of such buildings is a clear separation of primary and secondary constructions, as well as the use of modular construction elements.
The hypothesis of research is that structuralist buildings have an inherent potential for modernization. However, this potential is confronted with structural and physical problems which make thermal rehabilitation difficult. These include thermal bridges at junctions between primary and secondary structures, as well as aging phenomena of exposed concrete. These problems often lead to renovation methods which greatly alter the external appearance of the buildings and thus destroy their original character. The primary research question of the work is therefore how and how far the primary energy demand can be reduced without compromising the design and spatial qualities of the buildings.
Based on case studies, the design, construction and building physics of selected buildings are analysed. Then, possible approaches to energy conservation and their influence on the architectural appearance and energy consumption of the buildings are assessed.
The work follows the principle of "preservation through modernization". It is not the maximum preservation of the original state that is pursued, but an adaptation to today's requirements and conditions while at the same time preserving the character of the buildings. A central question in this regard is to define which qualities of these buildings are characteristic and valuable, and whether all that is characteristic is also simultaneously worth preserving.
Methods of building physics, building simulation, design and construction are used for the evaluation of the revitalization methods. The focus of this work is on the reduction of the total energy demand. Concrete restoration, such as the repair of cracks, blows, discolorations or the like, is not the focus of this work.
The aim of the work is to compile a guide on the possibilities and limits of the energetic rehabilitation of structuralist residential buildings. This guide is intended to give property owners, architects and political decision-makers an overview of potentials and restrictions in the energetic rehabilitation of exposed concrete buildings and provide them with insight for further procedures.
Planned completion
Fall 2020
Focus
Housing estates of the 1960ies and 1970ies, that were built on structuralist design principles.
Hypothesis
Buildings that follow structuralist design principles have an inherent potential for modernization. At the same time, the possibilities of thermal rehabilitation are severely restricted if the visual appearance of these buildings is to be preserved.
Key question
How can we reduce the energy demand of housing estates of the era of Structuralism without undermining their architectural expression and underlying ideals?
Goal
Guidelines for the thermal and energetical refurbishment, addressing owners and planners.
