Sustainable Building for a Climate-Neutral and Climate-Adapted Future

At our architectural office, we are committed to developing projects that are not only resilient to current climatic conditions but also to future environmental challenges. Our goal is to create buildings that are not only aesthetically refined but also leave the smallest possible ecological footprint.

Specifically, the following principles of sustainable building are pursued:

Urban Overheating and the Urban Heat Island Effect: Impacts and Mitigation

Urban overheating, often referred to as the urban heat island (UHI) effect, arises from solar radiation absorbed and stored by surfaces. This effect is amplified by dark materials such as asphalt and dark roofs, which have low reflectivity. The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) measures the reflectivity of surfaces on a scale from 0 (black) to 100 (white). Surfaces with a high SRI reflect more solar radiation and heat up less. A related concept, albedo, expresses the reflectivity of surfaces on a scale from 0 to 1, where an albedo of 0.8 corresponds to 80% reflectivity.

In addition to brightness, surface texture also influences heat reflection. Smooth surfaces reflect more solar radiation than rough ones. Adjustments in color and texture can significantly reduce urban overheating, affecting all sun-exposed areas, including roofs, façades, and streets. Implementing these measures greatly improves the quality of life in urban spaces while simultaneously reducing energy demand for cooling. Integrating these principles is essential to minimize the negative impacts of heat waves in cities and to create a more comfortable urban microclimate.

Renovation and retrofitting of older buildings, particularly listed structures, require a sensitive approach to preserve historical fabric and aesthetic value. Our architectural office has extensive experience in this field, successfully combining modern energy-efficiency measures with the requirements of heritage preservation.

A key principle in the energy-efficient renovation of historic buildings is the installation of interior insulation. This method allows the exterior façade to maintain its historic appearance while significantly improving the building’s energy performance. An insulation layer made of ecological materials is applied to the interior of exterior walls. This layer can be attached as a dry construction directly to the existing wall or applied as an insulating plaster. A critical factor is the vapor permeability of the insulation layer, which prevents moisture damage.

The effectiveness of this approach is significant: heat loss is reduced, and the overall energy performance of the building increases. Additionally, the building is better protected from solar heat gain in summer, enhancing indoor comfort. However, it should be noted that solar heat gains in winter are partially reduced due to the enclosed façade, and thermal bridges—such as at wall connections—cannot always be completely avoided. Despite these challenges, interior insulation is a practical solution, especially when exterior insulation is not possible for aesthetic or heritage reasons.