Materials and Construction

The aim of the joint project "CO2-neutral World Heritage Speicherstadt Hamburg -Phase I (0-CO2-WSHH)" (BMWi funding code 03EN3027C) is to redevelop listed quarters into a virtually CO2-neutral quarter by developing a holistic energy concept, innovative hybrid roof elements, thermally activated floor slabs made of lean concrete for storage and the conversion of inner courtyards into energy gardens and intelligent electrical, thermal and digital integration. 

In the research project "SEKB-Adlerareal - Solar energies for climate-neutral existing quarters - a holistic system approach using the example of the historic Adlerareal" (BMWK funding code 03EN3072C), known components as well as components that are to be further developed or newly developed in parts for the extraction, use and storage of environmental energies are used and brought together through thermal and intelligent networking in order to realise the heat supply of the "Adlerareal" micro-quarter in a systemic overall approach.

The aim of the project "CampUS hoch i - ein Reallabor für Klimaschutz und Klimaneutralität 'mit Intelligenz' an der Universität Stuttgart" (CampUS to the power of i - a real laboratory for climate protection and climate neutrality 'with intelligence' at the University of Stuttgart) is to experimentally investigate and demonstrate how climate neutrality can be achieved in a neighbourhood and exemplary buildings and at the same time implement the goals of economic management (of money and resources) and an increase in quality of life and comfort. To this end, a holistic approach and concept is to be developed and tested in order to develop and implement climate neutrality with "intelligent" technologies in harmony with the needs and intelligence of the people (those directly affected and other stakeholders) and to reconcile the sometimes opposing trends. 

In the follow-up project "Implementation phase for settlement components for existing residential quarters - impulses for networking energy-efficient technologies" (SWIVT II) (BMWi funding code 03ET1545B), the strategy developed in the preliminary project for linking building concepts in networked operation with control-optimised, innovative energy technologies is being implemented in real terms in the post office settlement in Darmstadt. 

Based on the outcomes of the first funding period, this project focuses on the further development of the functionally graded concrete (FGC) building system aiming towards a more drastic reduction of natural resource consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and waste volume. The strategy is based on the application of recycling and reuse as the core principles of the circular economy, as well as through the extension of digital design and automated fabrication methods.

The aim of the research project is the development of an economical, competitive, sustainable and high-quality masonry and plaster mortar using wood ash as an alternative binder component, which accumulates during the combustion of biomass and has to be disposed of or landfilled up to now. The aim is to reduce the cement clinker content by >70% by using wood ash as a substitute for cement. This should save at least 210 kg CO²/m³ of produced and processed mortar. In order to optimally utilise the wood ash as a material, the combustion process of the biomass incineration plants is optimised in such a way that the composition of the wood ash is well suited for use as a reactive additive.

The joint project "Energy-efficient housing estates through sustainable concepts for listed buildings - energy-optimised neighbourhood Margarethenhöhe Essen (EnQM)" (BMWi funding code 03ET1417) aims to show how listed neighbourhoods can be optimised in terms of energy through energy-efficient refurbishment, innovative building technology and intelligent electrical, thermal and digital networking.