Fields of action
The working group initially prioritised six focus topics for discussion from a selection of possible solutions.
- Modification of planning law
Targeted adjustments to planning law are intended to legally facilitate and accelerate densification within existing urban areas — particularly for adding storeys, extensions, and reuse for residential use. - Integrating of buillding in existing structures into the Model Building Code
The integration of a dedicated framework for refurbishment and conversion into the Model Building Code (Musterbauordnung, MBO) aims to reduce regulatory barriers for conversions, adding storeys and extensions, while improving legal certainty as well as cost-effectiveness. This should provide guidance for harmonized requirements across federal states — conversions should no longer be treated as special cases. - Simple Building ("Einfach Bauen")
Simple Building ("Einfach Bauen") is understood as an approach to planning and building defined by conscious reduction, robustness and durability. The aim is to achieve a high-quality living conditions by focusing on essential functional, spatial and structural requirements, while minimising technical systems and specialized building components. This approach reduces both construction and operating costs of properties. - Optimisation of project management in existing buildings
The objectives are improved cost calculation, increased productivity, quality assurance, and the acceleration of planning and construction processes. - Densification register
The goal is to create a register that records vacancies as well as suitable areas for densification or reuse. This database can support the activation of housing potential and thereby contribute to greater affordability. - Knowledge transfer for building inexisting structures
Relevant stakeholders should be provided with more knowledge of and awareness about the benefits of adding storeys, extensions, and conversions in existing urban contexts. Various instruments of knowledge transfer are being discussed, targeting not only private property owners but also municipalities.
Members of working group 1
Lead
- Dr.-Ing. Daniela Kiefer
Structural Engineer for Bridges, Building Construction and Construction Products, SMP Ingenieure im Bauwesen GmbH - Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Winter
Ordinarius of the Chair of Timber Structures and Building Construction, TU Munich
Members
- Dominik Campanella
Managing Director, Concular GmbH - Sarah Dungs
Chairwoman of the Association for Building in Existing Contexts e.V.; Managing Director, Greyfield Group; Board of Greyfield foundation - Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Graf
Head of Research at the Department of Structures and Materials, Faculty of Architecture, Rhineland-Palatinate University of Technology Kaiserslautern-Landau - Prof. Dr.-Ing. Annette Hafner
Head of the Chair of Resource Efficient Building, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ruhr University Bochum - Michael Halstenberg
Lawyer, Franßen & Nusser Rechtsanwälte PartGmbB - Jutta Heinkelmann
Housing, Standards, and Regulations Officer, Bavarian Chamber of Architects - Josef Huber
Managing Partner, Huber & Sohn GmbH & Co. KG - Tobias Karlhuber
Architect, Robert Meyer und Tobias Karlhuber Architekten - Frank-Thomas Kronsbein
Product Manager Residential Buildings, GOLDBECK Technologies GmbH - Silke Küstner
Senior Project Manager Circular Economy, WWF Germany - Pia Lütkenhaus
Management Assistant, B. Lütkenhaus GmbH - Dr. Jan Wenker
Group Director Sustainability & Innovation, Brüninghoff GmbH & Co. KG - Petra Wurmer-Weiß
Consultant, Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Advice Center (BEN) of the Bavarian Chamber of Architects
Interview
3 questions for… Dr.-Ing. Daniela Kiefer
Interview
3 questions for… Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Winter
Get to know the other two working groups
WG 2 Urban and neigbourhood developoment
WG 2 deals with issues relating to the requirements and potential of integrated neighbourhood development.
WG 3 Transformation and implementation strategies
In collaboration with the other two WGs, WG 3 is working on the possible transfer of solutions into practice