EAE Awards 2026 shortlist - European Association for ETICS (EAE)

After the successful first edition of the EAE Awards in 2021 the second edition in 2023/2024, the EAE Awards 2026 saw a record-breaking number of 65 entries of phantastic ETICS projects located in 13 European countries. All projects showcase the great variety of designs and technical solutions available for improving the energy performance of buildings, their appearance and the comfort of living. Even more: entries demonstrated the use of ETICS in transforming existing building stock in new purposes, in building extensions and when redeveloping derelict commercial sites in city centres into residential areas to tackle the housing crisis. All entries amazed the jury as they demonstrated the unprecedented variety of design options and technical solutions for nearly all building types and uses ETICS offer. And often there were nuances that decided upon “keep the project in the loop” and “unfortunately we need to shorten the list”. Finally, all projects are winners as they contribute to affordability, health and comfort, sustainability and the resilience of our built environment. And altogether they all serve the people and our environment. But every contest sees a limited number of projects making it to the shortlist presented hereafter. Only a few of them will win the prestigious EAE Awards 2026 trophy in the ceremony on 9th November 2026 in Brussels.

Shortlist

"Ptasie Radio" Kindergarten, ul. Słowików 2, 42-583 Bobrowniki, Poland
Picture: © Tomasz Borkowski

The "Ptasie Radio" Kindergarten in Bobrowniki is a new single-storey educational building completed between 2021 and 2023. From the beginning, the project was based on two equally important objectives: to create a high-quality environment for children and to reduce the building's energy demand through a carefully designed envelope and building services. Architecture and energy performance were not treated as separate issues, but as integral parts of a single coherent design approach.

The concept of "Ptasie Radio" is rooted in the local landscape and the presence of birdlife around Bobrowniki. The name refers to a poem by Julian Tuwim, while the motif of "spreading one's wings" was translated into the form of the building, the organisation of space and the educational programme. The architecture, eco-park and environmental measures form a unified setting in which contact with nature becomes part of children's everyday learning experience. The building accommodates eight kindergarten classrooms for 200 children, together with shared, administrative and technical spaces. Its wing-like layout creates a sheltered and safe internal courtyard, while the single-level arrangement provides direct access to all parts of the building, including for people with disabilities. Outdoor learning areas and the eco-park are integral parts of the project, extending the educational environment beyond the building itself and enabling children to engage with the local ecosystem on a daily basis.

The building has a usable floor area of 1,920.51 m², a total floor area of 2,243.70 m², a building footprint of 2,434.50 m² and a gross volume of 9,401.10 m³. It is a single-storey building with a maximum height of 6.80 m.

Architect:	Projekt Plus Architekci Sp. z o.o., Plac Krakowski 10, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland, www.projektplusarchitekci.pl
Installer:	Przedsiębiorstwo Budowlane ANBUD, ul. Słowackiego 39, 42-506 Będzin, Poland, www.anbud.net.pl
ETICS:	The ETICS is one of the key components of the energy-efficient envelope of the "Ptasie Radio" Kindergarten, but its role goes beyond thermal insulation. It was deliberately integrated into the façade composition and contributes to the architectural character of the building together with the ventilated façade, transparent polycarbonate, glazing and façade-integrated photovoltaics. ETICS was applied over a total area of approximately 394.9 m², including 310.0 m² on the external façades and 84.9 m² on the façades facing the internal courtyard. This represents approximately 20% of the total façade area of the building. The primary thermal insulation of the rendered external walls consists of graphite EPS with a thermal conductivity of λ = 0.031 W/(mK). Depending on the location, insulation thicknesses of 15 or 18 cm were used. For the main wall assemblies, a thermal transmittance of U = 0.19 W/(m²K) was achieved with 15 cm of insulation, and U = 0.18 W/(m²K) with 18 cm. The ETICS areas were finished with a thin-coat silicone render. In "Ptasie Radio", ETICS is not a concealed technical layer added to a completed architectural concept. It forms part of a carefully considered building-envelope strategy in which thermal performance, daylight access, control of thermal conditions, energy generation and architectural expression were designed as one integrated system. Energy efficiency does not constrain the architecture here, but becomes one of the tools used to shape it.
ETICS manufacturer:	Baumit Polska, www.baumit.pl
Member of:	Stowarzyszenie na Rzecz Systemow Ocieplen (SSO), www.systemyocieplen.pl EAE company member
Complementing energy-efficiency measures:	The calculated energy performance of the building is: EU = 42.9 kWh/(m²·year), EK = 51.6 kWh/(m²·year) and EP = 77.9 kWh/(m²·year). The EP value remains below the maximum permissible value of 81.8 kWh/(m²·year) applicable to the building under the Polish WT 2021 technical requirements. The reduction in energy demand was achieved by combining an energy-efficient building envelope incorporating ETICS with advanced building services. The design heat load is 69.49 kW, and the heat supply was designed as a hybrid system using air-to-water heat pumps together with condensing gas boilers. The building is also equipped with mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning systems. A significant element of the project is the photovoltaic installation with a total capacity of 23.36 kWp, integrated directly into the building architecture. Frameless glass-glass modules with a capacity of 21.53 kWp form part of the ventilated façade cladding, while a further 1.83 kWp is incorporated into photovoltaic louvres. The generated electricity is used primarily to meet the building's own energy needs, while the energy management system enables monitoring of electricity generation and the ongoing operation of the installation.
Financing measures:	The project received PLN 10,000,000 in funding from the Polish Government Local Investment Fund (RFIL).

Bytový dom Kmeťovo námestie, Bratislava, Slovakia
Picture: © Baumit

The apartment building was built as the first panel house in Slovakia in 1955 as part of mass housing construction. It was built in the fully assembled panel construction system BA, as a terraced house with 2 entrances in the Bratislava - Staré Mesto district, currently in the wider city center. It comprises 36 apartments with a total floor area of 2,849.634 m². The calculated specific heat demand before insulation was 92.40 kWh/(m²·a). The calculated heat demand after insulation without window replacement is 42.98 kWh/(m²·a) and insulation with window replacement 33.22 kWh/(m²·a). The apartment building is connected to a centralized heat source.

As this building is listed as technical monument, it was necessary to respect the requirements of the preservationists when restoring the outer shell, as well as the details of communication and approval. The façade renovation involved replacing the opening fillings, insulating the external cladding using architectural elements and preserving the panel texture by coating with two different filler fractions and insulating the roof cladding.

Architect:	Tecnický a skúšovný ústav stavebný, n.o., pracovisko VVÚPS-NOVA, www.tsus.sk/vvups-nova
Installer:	PMGSTAV SK, s.r.o, www.pmgstav.sk
ETICS:	The area of the external cladding insulation is 2,258.53 m², almost 100% including the plinth designed as a bossage; the rest of the architectural elements are preserved. The ETICS was designed as a composition with EPS with graphite and MW fire barriers to meet the fire safety requirements. The thermal insulation thickness is 100 mm. The silicon plaster with hatching was created by painting to maintain the appearance of the panel house.
ETICS manufacturer:	Baumit Slovakia, www.baumit.sk
Member of:	Obcianske Zdruzenie – Zdruzenie Pre Zateplovanie Budov, www.zpzb.sk EAE company member
Complementing energy-efficiency measures:	Exchange of windows. Insulation of the roof cladding. The building is connected to centralized heat supply (CHS, district heating).
Financing measures:	A loan from the Slovak Federal Development Bank was used.

Collège Claudine Hermann - 46 rue de Vilgenis, 91300 Massy, Essonne, Île-de-France, France
Picture: © Manuel Panaget/Sto

Claudine Hermann Middle School is a new secondary education facility developed by the Essonne Department on the Vilgénis site in Massy. Opened at the start of the 2024 school year, it will ultimately accommodate 800 students in a 7,200 m² building designed by the architectural firm Ameller Dubois.

Built on a former Air France training campus at the heart of a 22-hectare wooded park, part of which is protected, the project was developed with the ambition of creating an exemplary educational facility that combines environmental excellence, architectural quality, and seamless integration into the landscape. The building adopts a compact U-shaped form organized around a large landscaped courtyard, reducing its footprint while providing a high-quality, comfortable environment for both students and teaching staff.

From the outset, the client established particularly ambitious environmental objectives. The project targets the E3C1 level, demonstrating high energy performance combined with controlled carbon emissions, as well as the Level 3 Biosourced Building label, which recognizes the extensive use of renewable, low-impact materials. The school's design also follows the performance principles of the Passivhaus EnerPHit certification, the international benchmark for very low-energy buildings, through a highly insulated envelope, rigorous thermal bridge reduction, excellent airtightness, and optimized solar gains and natural daylighting.

Its energy efficiency is based on a comprehensive bioclimatic approach that combines a highly efficient thermal envelope, continuous external insulation, high-performance windows and doors, appropriate solar shading systems, and a Building Management System (BMS) that adjusts energy consumption to actual occupancy and climatic conditions. This strategy helps to sustainably reduce energy demand, improve both summer and winter comfort, and minimize the building's carbon footprint throughout its life cycle, in line with the requirements of the E3C1 standard, the Passivhaus EnerPHit approach, and the Level 3 Biosourced Building label.

Architect:	Ameller Dubois Architectes, 11 bis rue Bachaumont, 75002 Paris, France, www.ameller-dubois.fr
Installer:	Artib SAS, 65 rue Henri Barbusse, 94450 Limeil-Brévannes, France
ETICS:	The school envelope is based on a hybrid structural system combining a concrete frame with timber façades and floor structures, significantly reducing the building's carbon footprint. The timber-frame walls are insulated with bio-based materials and protected by an external thermal insulation system, ensuring a high level of thermal performance and fire safety. To meet the specific requirements of a public educational facility while preserving the architectural freedom of the design, the ETICS system (an ETICS solution with mineral insulation for timber-frame construction) was selected, finished with fine-grain organic render. This solution enabled the realization of the school's distinctive curved façades while creating a continuous, high-performance building envelope that minimizes heat loss. The façades are characterized by their soft, flowing geometry and strong horizontal expression, which reinforce the building's integration within its wooded surroundings. The textured render finish contributes to the project's architectural identity while ensuring the long-term durability of the building envelope.
ETICS manufacturer:	Sto France, www.sto.fr
Member of:	Groupement du Mur Manteau, www.mur-manteau.fr EAE company member
Complementing energy-efficiency measures:	Energy performance is one of the project's defining features. According to Urbaine de Travaux, the building targets an energy consumption of 55 kWh/m²/year, together with a 30% improvement over RT 2012 requirements and compliance with the E3C1 level. For a new 7,200 m² secondary school designed to accommodate 800 students, this level of performance is particularly ambitious and ranks among the most energy-efficient educational facilities designed before the widespread implementation of the RE2020 regulations. This achievement is based on an optimized bioclimatic design, a highly efficient thermal envelope, and a significant reduction in the building's energy demand. Occupant comfort was a key priority from the earliest design stages. Interior spaces benefit from abundant natural daylight and continuous views of the surrounding wooded landscape. Motorized external shading devices provide effective solar protection and reduce the risk of summer overheating while maintaining a high-quality indoor environment. This approach contributes both to student well-being and to the reduction of energy consumption throughout the year. Renewable energy generation has also been integrated into the project through the installation of approximately 300 m² of photovoltaic panels, helping to reduce primary energy consumption and improve the overall energy balance of the facility. This energy production is complemented by optimized management of technical equipment through the Building Management System (BMS) and by an architectural design that minimizes heating, cooling, and artificial lighting requirements.
Financing measures:	The project was developed and funded by the Department of Essonne as part of its investment program aimed at supporting the region's population growth and strengthening educational provision across the department. Claudine Hermann Middle School is the 101st middle school in Essonne and represents a major investment in an educational facility designed to be exemplary in environmental, social, and architectural terms.

Forbach Theatre – Le Carreau, Scène nationale de Forbach et de l'Est Mosellan, Avenue Saint-Rémy, 57600 Forbach, France
Picture: © Siméon Levaillant/Sto

Forbach Theatre, now home to Le Carreau – National Stage of Forbach and Eastern Moselle, underwent a major renovation programme between 2019 and 2023. The project pursued three main objectives: improving the energy performance of this landmark cultural building from the 1980s, reorganising the interior spaces to meet the current needs of a major cultural venue, and strengthening its integration into the urban environment.

Led by the City of Forbach, the renovation transformed a massive and energy-intensive building into a facility that is more efficient, more functional, and more attractive. The most striking intervention concerns the main façade, whose architectural treatment evokes a monumental stage curtain, creating an immediate visual connection between the building's exterior appearance and its cultural purpose.

Designed by Schweitzer & Associés Architectes and RK Architecte, the project is now recognised as a benchmark renovation that successfully combines energy performance, architectural quality, and the enhancement of public cultural heritage.

Architect:	Schweitzer & Associés Architectes (Lead Architect), 30 Rue de l'Yser, 67000 Strasbourg, France, www.schweitzer-associes.com
In association with:	RK Architecte, Raphaël Kopec Architect, 57 Rue Principale, 67206 Mittelhausbergen, France, www.atelier-rk.com
Installer:	Les Peintures Réunies SN, Bonglet Group, Forbach agency, Rue du Fond de Marclaz, 57600 Forbach, France, www.lpr-groupe.fr
ETICS:	The renovation is based on the implementation of the external thermal insulation system (ETICS), combined with a finishing render and façade paint. The ETICS was applied to the entire building envelope to achieve long-term reductions in energy demand while contributing to the building's architectural transformation. The project's most distinctive feature is a nearly 300 m² façade reproducing a stage curtain directly within the thickness of the insulation layer. To create this three-dimensional form, almost 500 pre-machined and numbered insulation panels were custom-manufactured using a dedicated digital modelling process. Insulation thicknesses vary from 140 mm to 400 mm, creating the folds and undulations characteristic of a theatre curtain. The design process required the construction of a full-scale prototype, as well as dedicated engineering work addressing expansion joints, mechanical resistance, and fire safety requirements. A mineral wool base section was incorporated to meet the regulations applicable to public buildings (ERP – Establishments Open to the Public). This project demonstrates the ability of ETICS systems to combine thermal performance, architectural freedom, and the aesthetic enhancement of the building envelope, transforming insulation into a key element of architectural expression. Today, the façade is recognised as an outstanding technical achievement and a French benchmark for the architectural integration of ETICS systems, demonstrating how thermal insulation can become a defining architectural feature rather than merely a building performance component.
ETICS manufacturer:	Sto France, www.sto.fr
Member of:	Groupement du Mur Manteau, www.mur-manteau.fr EAE company member
Complementing energy-efficiency measures:	The project forms part of the City of Forbach's strategy to reduce the energy consumption of its public building portfolio while improving the quality of the facilities available to residents. The renovation combined external thermal insulation, improved airtightness, the modernisation of interior spaces, and the technical upgrading of the building. It also enhanced the operational efficiency of the National Stage by providing a better organisation of spaces dedicated to artists, technical teams, and visitors. Beyond its energy-saving benefits, the project contributes to the revitalisation of a key cultural facility within the city. The new façade strengthens the building's visibility in the public realm and enhances the cultural attractiveness of the area. The project demonstrates that an ambitious energy renovation can also serve as a powerful driver for architectural enhancement and urban regeneration.
Financing measures:	The project was commissioned by the City of Forbach as part of a comprehensive programme for the renovation and modernisation of the Forbach Theatre. According to the French Ministry of Culture, the works carried out between 2020 and 2023 represented a total investment of approximately €6.1 million. The project benefited from €1.5 million in State funding, reflecting the cultural and regional significance of this major public facility. In addition, an estimated €4.9 million (excluding VAT) was allocated to the rehabilitation works themselves. This combination of local and national funding made it possible to deliver an exemplary renovation project that successfully combines energy performance improvements, functional modernisation, and the architectural enhancement of a major public cultural building.

Wohn-Garten, Fröbelgasse 6, 1160 Vienna, Austria
Picture: © Peter Berger

Wohn-Garten, Fröbelgasse 6 in Vienna, is the comprehensive refurbishment and extension of a residential building, completed between 2021 and 2023. Through careful urban densification, the usable residential floor area was increased by 82.5% from 843.14 m² to 1,538.64 m², without sealing additional ground. A comprehensive thermal renovation reduced the calculated heating by around 83% from 188.03 to 32.45 kWh/m²a. The building was fully connected to district heating and upgraded with improved insulation and high-performance windows.

The project also includes full barrier-free access, a generously greened courtyard, innovative facade greening and the experimental "Free-Cooling" system for passive summer cooling of the rooftop apartments.

Architect:	P.Good, Praschl-Goodarzi Architekten ZT-GmbH, Auerspergstraße 5/Top 17, 1080 Vienna, Austria, www.pgood.at
And:	dreidimensional zt-gmbh, Joseph Haydn-Gasse 12/1, 7000 Eisenstadt, Austria, www.dreidimensional.at
Project developer:	Ulreich Bauträger GmbH, Obere Amtshausgasse 20-24, 1050 Vienna, Austria, www.ulreich.at
Installer:	Gassner + Brenner GmbH, Obere Amtshausgasse 20-24, 1050 Vienna, Austria, www.gassner-brenner.at
ETICS:	The refurbished façades were fully insulated with an External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS), using EPS-F Plus insulation with an average thickness of 14 cm. Where required for fire protection, mineral wool was used instead. In total, 100% of the refurbished façade surfaces were thermally upgraded with ETICS. The system was integrated into the comprehensive refurbishment of both the street-facing and courtyard façades, significantly improving the building envelope and overall energy performance.
ETICS manufacturer:	n.a.
Member of:	n.a.
Complementing energy-efficiency measures:	A key challenge was to combine substantial urban densification with improved conditions for the neighboring building. Part of the existing courtyard roof was removed to improve daylight, while the lost floor area was compensated by extending the street-facing building upwards. This allowed the residential floor area to increase by 82.5% without additional land consumption. Innovative solutions include the experimental "Free-Cooling" system, which uses the ground as a cooling source for passive summer tempering of the rooftop apartments without additional active cooling energy. The project also incorporates an innovative façade greening concept, a generously planted courtyard and full barrier-free access throughout the building. The project combines energy efficiency with a strong focus on long-term living quality and accessibility. The former fossil-based heating system was replaced by district heating, while external shading improves summer thermal comfort. A new lift and step-free access make all apartments and common areas fully accessible. New balconies, terraces and a generously greened courtyard provide high-quality private and shared outdoor spaces. Together, these measures create a more sustainable, climate-resilient and people-oriented residential environment.
Financing measures:	The project was implemented with less than 10% public funding and was mainly privately financed.

Via Casaregis 9, Genoa, Italy
Picture: © Filippo Altafini

This project concerns the deep energy renovation and facade restoration of an early twentieth-century Liberty-style multi-family residential building at Via Casaregis 9 in Genoa, Italy. The intervention, completed in 2024, upgraded the building envelope while safeguarding the architectural identity of a historic urban setting. The principal challenge was to reconcile a substantial improvement in energy performance with the conservation of a highly articulated historic facade. A colour survey recorded the surviving original painted decoration. The main decorative language was then reinstated: architectural and floral motifs and trompe-l'oeil elements were recreated on the south facade, while the east and north facades received light monochrome finishes that recall the composition of the principal elevation.

The insulated external walls improved from a thermal transmittance of 1.25 W/m²K before renovation to 0.23 W/m²K after renovation; the flat roof improved from 1.21 to 0.22 W/m²K. The overall energy rating rose from class E to class C. The combined envelope measures reduced primary energy consumption by approximately 30%, corresponding to an estimated reduction of about 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The project included repair of deteriorated render, facade insulation and finishing, restoration and reinterpretation of the historic painted decoration, careful detailing around openings and architectural features, and replacement of the roof insulation and waterproofing system.

Architect:	Softability S.r.l., Eng. Mauro Piazza, Arch. Maura Mazzarello and Eng. Stefania Cirimele, Via Casaregis 9/12, 16129 Genoa, Italy, www.softability.it
In association with:	CAPAROL – DAW Italia GmbH & Co KG, www.caparol.it STIFERITE S.p.A., www.stiferite.com/EN/
Installer:	Edilpaba S.r.l., C.so Torino, 24, 16129 Genova GE, Italy, www.edilpaba.com
ETICS:	The external walls (about 1350 square meters) were insulated with a specifically designed ETICS with polyurethane insulation, incorporating rigid polyurethane (PIR) insulation boards specifically designed for ETICS. The boards have saturated glass-fibre facings and were installed in thicknesses of 100 mm (λd = 0.025 W/mK) and 80 mm (λd = 0.026 W/mK), with declared thermal resistances RD of 4.00 and 3.08 m²K/W respectively. The reduced thickness at the upper floors preserved the operation of the shutters where balcony depth was limited. The boards were shaped on site to create a smooth transition between thicknesses. Installation comprised adhesive bonding and mechanical fixing, followed by two layers of base coat with embedded glass-fibre reinforcing mesh and a final render finish. The ETICS kit has a European Technical Assessment, CE marking and a B-s1,d0 reaction-to-fire classification. At the base of the facade, up to 2.50 m above ground level, a highly vapour-permeable system incorporating mineral wool panels (thickness 10 cm, λ = 0.034 W/mK) was used after repairing moisture-damaged masonry with a special restoration plaster. Reveals and lintels were insulated with prefabricated elements so that opening dimensions and facade proportions remained unchanged. The workability of the PIR insulation boards was crucial. Boards were cut and shaped to follow pilasters, connect different insulation thicknesses and form the curved eaves cornice, maintaining continuity of insulation and limiting thermal bridging at the wall-to-slab junction. The ETICS-certified fixings enable to reinstall typical Genoese architectural elements such as shutters, clothesline supports, and decorative railings without creating thermal bridges.
ETICS manufacturer:	CAPAROL – DAW Italia GmbH & Co KG, www.caparol.it
Member of:	Cortexa Consortium per la cultura del Sitema a Cappotto, www.cortexa.it EAE company member
Complementing energy-efficiency measures:	The facade works formed part of a coordinated building-envelope upgrade. The existing screed and waterproofing on the flat roof were removed and replaced. A new screed and perimeter kerb were constructed, followed by 100 mm Class B rigid PIR roof insulation and a fully bonded bituminous waterproofing membrane with a slate finish. The upper face of the insulation board is faced with bituminised glass fibre coupled with polypropylene to facilitate torch bonding of the membrane, while the lower face has a saturated mineral-fibre facing. Together with the ETICS, the roof upgrade reduced heat losses, improved indoor thermal comfort and supported the improvement from energy class E to C. Moisture-resilient detailing at the plinth, thermal-bridge-free attachments and preservation of shutter operation and window geometry also ensured that energy efficiency, durability, occupant usability and the architectural character of the building were addressed as one integrated renovation strategy.
Financing measures:	n.a.

The project is a new-build house with a total floor area of 162 m². The single-storey residence combines spaciousness, living comfort, energy efficiency and a future-oriented approach to housing. The curved building form responds to the orientation of the site and allows terraces to be integrated on both sides of the house as an integral part of the overall design.

Inside, the exposed timber roof structure is a defining element of the character of the home. The roof beams are arranged in a fan-like configuration to follow the curved geometry of the building. Combined with the mono-pitched roof, with one side of the building higher than the other, this creates a dynamic interior with clear ceiling heights ranging from 2.60 m to 4.30 m. A sunken seating area in the living space further enhances the sense of space and establishes a direct connection with the garden. Architecture, structure, orientation and outdoor space are thus brought together in an integrated design.

Architect:	B-bis architecten, Borgerhoutsestraat 22, Antwerpen, Belgium, www.b-bis.be
Installer:	Jos Dejongh, Kwade Weide 3, Kalmthout, Belgium, www.josdejongh.be
ETICS:	An ETICS system was applied across the entire façade, covering approximately 245 m². The façades are insulated with 16 cm of EPS and finished with a render system and green glazed brick slips laid in a standing stretcher bond. The green colour was deliberately selected to allow the house to blend harmoniously into its natural surroundings. The glazed finish also reflects the incident sunlight, further emphasising the curved geometry of the façade. The pronounced curved and undulating form of the house presented significant challenges during construction. In particular, the installation of the brick slips around the corners and the entrance canopy required bespoke detailing, including specially manufactured corner brick slips. The garden wall, which curves in two directions, was also finished with the same brick slips, creating a visual continuity between the house and the terraces. An additional challenge was the dark green colour initially envisaged for the brick slips. According to the technical guidelines of the WTCB, dark façade colours on east-, south- and west-facing elevations require particular attention, notably regarding solar absorptance and the lightness index. Following technical assessment and consultation with the ETICS manufacturer, a lighter shade of green was selected. This retains the desired architectural character while providing a technically more appropriate solution for the façade orientation.
ETICS manufacturer:	Knauf Belgium, https://knauf.com/fr-BE
Member of:	Xthermo.be, www.xthermo.be/fr/
Complementing energy-efficiency measures:	The house was designed for a couple who intend to live there for the rest of their lives, with a strong focus on energy efficiency, comfort, sustainability and long-term adaptability. The dwelling achieves an E-level of -20 and an S-level of S21 and features a highly energy-efficient building envelope. High levels of insulation and airtightness form the basis for a low energy demand and a high level of indoor comfort. The house is heated at low temperature by an air-to-water heat pump, combined with underfloor heating and domestic hot water production. Photovoltaic panels on the roof generate renewable energy on site, with a home battery planned for a later stage. A balanced mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (System D) provides controlled air exchange and a healthy indoor climate. Combined with careful attention to summer comfort, orientation and the surrounding greenery, these measures result in an energy-efficient, comfortable and future-oriented home.
Financing measures:	n.a.

For around four decades, the silo building in Bremen's Überseestadt served as a storage and production facility for the American Kellogg's corporation's cereal production. The towers, which date from the 1970s and are up to 40 metres high, stored several thousand tonnes of corn, rice, wheat and oats. The building was functional, solid and designed exclusively for industrial use.

When operations ceased in 2017, the iconic building faced a fundamental question: how could such a monumental building be meaningfully integrated into the future? The answer lies in the consistent conversion and further development of the existing structure. In the course of the transformation of the former port and industrial areas into today's Überseeinsel, the silo building was not demolished, but deliberately preserved and reinterpreted. A closed production site was turned into an open, usable space for people.

Today, the former silo tubes house an extraordinary hotel comprising 14 floor levels incorporated during the revitalization. The circular layout of the rooms (117 in total) is unusual for a hotel. The complex is complemented by office, conference and restaurant space, as well as other publicly accessible facilities. As a striking high point, the Kellogg's Hotel now forms the core of the new city centre on Überseeinsel and plays a central role as a place of encounter and orientation. The new function brings the industrial origins of the building to life and at the same time gives it a completely new meaning in the everyday life of the city. Instead of empty industrial buildings, a lively place has been created. Kellogg Pier contributes significantly to the revitalisation of Überseeinsel and makes industrial history accessible to a wide audience.

Architect:	DMAA Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, Mittersteig 13/4, 1040 Vienna, Austria, www.dmaa.at
Installer:	Farben Tiedeken GmbH & Co. KG, Eduard-Grunow-Str. 1, 28203 Bremen, Germany, www.fassaden-tiedeken.de
ETICS:	As part of the conversion, the former silo has also been modernised to improve its energy efficiency. Insulating the round silo shapes presented a particular technical challenge. In particular, the necessary compensation for the strongly curved surfaces required the utmost precision in the execution of the composite thermal insulation system. These complex geometries were implemented in a technically safe and creatively sophisticated manner. A creative plastering technique gives the façade a dynamic, mineral look that both reflects its industrial character and conveys a modern impression. The thermal insulation layer was made from mineral wool boards of different thicknesses (14 cm, 20 cm and 22 cm) and mineral wool lamella (14 cm thickness). In the plinth or splash water zone thermal insulation made from polystyrene were used (14 cm thickness).
ETICS manufacturer:	Baumit GmbH, www.baumit.de
Member of:	Verband für Dämmsysteme, Putz und Mörtel e. V., www.vdpm.info EAE company member
Complementing energy-efficiency measures:	A local heating and cooling network, powered by a river-water heat pump, supplies the entire island. Around 70% of the heating energy is extracted directly from the river Weser via a heat exchanger. A heat pump, together with electricity from wind and solar energy, supplements the supply for heating and cooling. During the winter months, an ice storage system cools the open spaces to the north of the hotel and enables an ice rink to be operated. The combination of measures leads to a superb energy performance of the hotel with CO₂ emissions of 10.99 kg/m²a and a primary energy demand of 40.5 kWh/m²a.
Financing measures:	n.a.

Revitalisation of a former battery building of the Ottakring substation into sustainable housing. The project involved the comprehensive renovation and adaptive reuse of the former battery building of the Ottakring Substation in Vienna, originally constructed in 1926/1927 and designed by architect Arnold Goldberger. Following the end of its technical function, the building was temporarily used as office space before being transformed into a residential building comprising 31 subsidised apartments with private outdoor spaces.

The usable floor area was increased from approximately 1,347.6 m² to 1,936.4 m² through the careful reuse of the existing building structure and a courtyard-side extension. The project was realised between May 2024 and July 2026. A key objective was to preserve the characteristic industrial appearance of the building while significantly improving its energy performance and residential quality. The calculated heating demand was reduced from 137.09 kWh/m²a to 30.19 kWh/m²a.

Rather than demolishing the existing structure, the project focused on retaining and adapting substantial parts of the building fabric. This approach preserved embodied carbon, safeguarded an important piece of Vienna's industrial infrastructure heritage and created high-quality affordable housing within an existing urban context.

Architect:	Arch. DI Werner Rebernig, Muhrengasse 11, 1100 Vienna, www.gsd.at
Installer:	Porr Bau GmbH, Absberggasse 47, 1100 Vienna, www.porr.at
ETICS:	The energy retrofit strategy had to balance ambitious energy-performance targets with the preservation of the building's historic industrial character. On the courtyard façades, an ETICS system with mineral wool insulation of up to 200 mm was installed. Due to the architectural value of the street façade, the historic appearance was preserved through a combination of internal insulation (60 mm) and carefully integrated façade repair measures. The ETICS system with mineral wool insulation covers a surface area of approx. 1,000 m², about 50% of the total façade area of 2,050 m². A silicone resin render was used as finishing layer. The project demonstrates how ambitious energy targets can be achieved even where the preservation of the original façade appearance limits the application of conventional insulation systems.
ETICS manufacturer:	Baumit GmbH, www.baumit.at
Member of:	Qualitätsgruppe Wärmedämm-Systeme, www.waermedaemmsysteme.at EAE company member
Complementing energy-efficiency measures:	The project demonstrates how a former industrial infrastructure building can successfully be transformed into high-quality housing while preserving its architectural identity and significantly improving its energy performance. Despite the requirement to preserve the architectural character of the street façade, the heating demand was reduced from 137.09 kWh/m²a to 30.19 kWh/m²a. In addition to the thermal renovation, several measures were implemented: connection to Vienna district heating; installation of a photovoltaic system; extensive green roof areas; tree and shrub planting on roof and courtyard areas; depaving of the formerly sealed courtyard and creation of landscaped green spaces; creation of private gardens, balconies and terraces for all apartments; a community roof terrace with panoramic views over Vienna; conversion of a former freight lift into an accessible passenger lift; bicycle storage facilities and stroller storage rooms; cross-ventilation concepts for through-apartments wherever building geometry allowed; re-use of substantial parts of the existing load-bearing structure; and preservation of original staircase elements, floor finishes and historic building details where possible.
Financing measures:	The project received financial support from the City of Vienna within the framework of the Viennese Housing Subsidy Programme ("Wohnbauförderung"). Funding was granted as part of a comprehensive refurbishment scheme (Totalsanierung).