Old or new: the advantages and possibilities of renovation in architecture
Deo Plaza, Gdańsk, Poland. Systems used: MB-78EI, MB-86 ST, MB-Slimline, EXTRABOND, MB-77HS HI, MB-78EI DPA, MB-86 SI, MB-SR50N EFEKT, MB-SR50N EI, MB-SR50N HI+, MB-SR50N OW
In a world of mass consumerism, everything new is in fashion. Meanwhile, the art of renewal can be just as inspiring as creating something from scratch. Building renovation is a perfect example of this: it makes it possible to create beautiful, functional spaces based on existing structures while also meeting the principles of sustainable development. Of course, it is a process that requires careful thought and proper planning, but the results can exceed even investors’ boldest expectations. Is it worth it, and what opportunities does it offer?
A path to a sustainable future
The construction and operation of buildings account for 38% of global CO2 emissions. The majority, 28%, comes from building operation itself, while 10% results from the energy used to produce materials and technologies. Of course, whether constructing a property from the ground up or modernising an existing one, investors are increasingly choosing sustainable solutions such as low-impact materials, photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting systems, as well as energy-efficient windows and thermal insulation. But are these steps enough?
In theory, the European Union plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. In practice, this means the construction sector must be mobilised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One way to achieve savings in this area is through renovation, which reduces the CO2 emissions associated with constructing new buildings. It also helps limit raw material extraction and tree felling for new developments, while reducing the amount of construction waste.
Industry representatives are therefore aware of the seriousness of the situation, but if we want to achieve better results, we need greater effort and the involvement of a wider group of stakeholders. Fortunately, there is no shortage of arguments in favour of this approach.
The benefits continue
The renovation process should be viewed through the lens of broadly understood national energy efficiency. The idea is simple: the less energy we consume, the fewer raw materials we will need from other countries to produce it. In practice, this means building Hungary’s long-term energy security and taking care of the health of millions of people. According to the Healthy Homes Barometer 2022 report, 1 in 3 Hungarians suffers as a result of poor indoor conditions, including lack of sunlight, cold, noise, damp and mould, which directly translates into, among other things, higher healthcare costs.
By investing in building renovation, we can expect measurable economic benefits, including savings of EUR 800 million in healthcare expenditure by 2050, EUR 1.4 billion in schools, and EUR 1.6 billion in offices thanks to increased productivity in better-ventilated buildings with more natural light. If all European Union member states were to take this step, by 2050 we could save several hundred billion euros.
And since we are talking about money, renovation also increases the value of existing properties, which can contribute to more sustainable urban development while preserving the priceless cultural heritage and history of a given place.
Manufaktura (Fabryki Poznańskiego), Łódź, Poland. Systems used: MB-60, MB-60 Industrial
Giving buildings a second life with Aluprof products
In the renovation process, structural changes are sometimes necessary, but they are not always desirable because of the impact they may have on a building’s historic character. However, these needs can be successfully reconciled. The effect of windows and doors resembling those from decades ago can be achieved with aluminium windows in the MB-SLIMLINE system. In addition to their visual appeal, they offer excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, watertightness and airtightness, as well as high structural durability. This solution proved highly successful in the heart of Manchester in the Phoenix & Crusader Mills development. Using the existing structures and preserving the brick walls, more than 100 unique apartments were created within several historic cotton mill buildings.
Pheonix & Crusader Mills, Manchester, United Kingdom. Systems used: MB-Slimline
Even greater possibilities are offered by aluminium doors and windows in the MB-FERROLINE system, which is ideally suited to listed and heritage-protected buildings.
– Thanks to the renovation frames available in the MB-FERROLINE system, new joinery can be installed without the need to remove the old frames. This minimises the risk of damaging the wall around the windows. The visible width of the aluminium profiles has been designed so as not to create major differences in the external appearance between the old and new windows. Proven solutions and a full range of new profiles with the right shapes make it possible to create structures whose appearance is perfectly matched to the character of the building – says Balázs Béres, Technical Consultant at Aluprof.
This system was used in Clouth-Quartier in Cologne. The former factory was transformed into a modern complex comprising 1,200 apartments, offices, artists’ studios and food and beverage facilities.
Clouth Quartier, Cologne, Germany. Systems used: MB-Ferroline, source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/...
Raw industrial buildings and their interiors have attracted the attention of design enthusiasts for many years. But this is not only about visual appeal. Valentine Place in London combines warehouse style with the façade of a former bakery and is an excellent example of the use of modern solutions: air-source heat pump technology, photovoltaic panels, and aluminium windows and doors in the MB-70HI Industrial system. The product fits perfectly into the industrial character of the site, while providing excellent thermal insulation for the users of the apartments, single-family homes, retail units and office space.
Valentine Place, London, United Kingdom. Systems used: MB-70, MB-70HI Industrial
Let us not forget that minimalism supports functionality, and that is exactly what we want to achieve in renovated buildings and interiors. The MB-Skyline Type-R sliding door is an excellent choice here, especially as two new solutions have recently been introduced: a minimalist handle (single-sided, double-sided, with or without a lock) and a static mullion (which can be used to create fixed sections in two-sash windows). These features make it possible to achieve an even more modern and aesthetically refined effect.