Why this project?

Project goals

The project aims to research innovative, energy-efficient and sustainable renovation and insulation systems that meet the specific requirements of half-timbered buildings and preserve the historical substance. It aims to offer practical solutions for climate-neutral existing buildings by 2050 by combining traditional techniques with modern research and technology.

Energetically inefficient

Many half-timbered houses are energy inefficient, which leads to high heating costs and energy losses. The thermal insulation of half-timbered exterior walls is a challenging task due to the physical problems involved. The choice of material, material thickness and processing must therefore be taken into account so as not to damage the historic building fabric or negatively affect the indoor climate.

Deterioration of historical substance

Half-timbered houses are a valuable cultural heritage, but ill-considered renovation methods can destroy their authentic appearance and construction. This danger can be countered with scientifically sound solutions that can be implemented in a technical and practical manner.

Lack of tried-and-tested solutions for new insulation developments

Interior insulation systems for timber-framed buildings are mostly based on old research results and individual experimentation. Energy-efficient and resource-saving systems that are available today or are currently under development have hardly been tested in a standardized manner. Testing for suitability in terms of building physics, long-term effectiveness and compatibility must be carried out.

Our core objectives

The aim is to increase the energy efficiency of half-timbered buildings using sustainable materials and techniques. Particular attention is being paid to the development of highly efficient insulation systems that meet the specific requirements of exposed half-timbered buildings without compromising the historic building fabric. To this end, new approaches are being developed for the joints between wood and timber frames, as these often represent weak points in terms of moisture and weather protection.

Half-timbered buildings are culturally significant. The project contributes to preserving these buildings for future generations, increasing their attractiveness and promoting their use by reducing operating costs and improving energy efficiency.

The project investigates the long-term effects of various refurbishment methods and building materials that were tested on the test buildings from the 1980s and 1990s preserved in the Hessenpark Open-Air Museum. The aim is to evaluate the existing building physics limit values and regulations and to update them if necessary. The materials are assessed in terms of their suitability, susceptibility to damage and durability.

Another focus is on the use and further development of building materials made from renewable raw materials, such as wood and straw, and building materials with low manufacturing energy consumption, such as clay, as well as the promotion of a circular economy. The aim is to use materials that have a positive overall energy balance and can be recycled or reused at the end of their useful life.

In addition to structural refurbishment, the integration of renewable energies is also being examined. Energy-efficient technologies that are also suitable for listed buildings are being investigated. The focus is on sustainable energy modernization that meets the special requirements of half-timbered buildings.

The exact 3D recording of the test buildings plays an important role in order to create precise digital models. These models serve as the basis for simulations of the indoor climate, hygrothermal properties and energy efficiency. The results are incorporated into the development of innovative refurbishment concepts, which are supported by modern simulation tools such as DELPHIN.

In addition to looking at individual buildings, the context of entire neighborhoods is also included. The focus is on half-timbered towns and villages in order to develop solutions that both preserve the architectural identity and improve the energy efficiency of entire districts.

The findings, methods and technologies developed are made accessible to both experts and laypeople. The aim is to reach a broad circle of users and interested parties via exhibition panels and other communication formats. Innovative refurbishment solutions for half-timbered buildings will not only be investigated, but also communicated in an understandable way and put into practice.