If you own or intend to buy a period building you will be confronted by many questions and options in terms of modernisation, from energy ratings, the choice of insulation materials to funding possibilities. In order to provide examples and shed light on the many possibilities, the ‘Energie Experten’, or energy experts, a network of specialists set up by the climate protection agency Energiekonsens, introduced the house viewing day in 2007. Now in its fourth year, this popular event attracted 280 visitors to 13 renovated buildings. During the guided tours it became apparent that many visitors had already familiarised themselves with the subject matter and had a fair idea of energy efficiency modernisations and renovations. One of the buildings, whose owner, along with the energy advisors and construction firms that had been involved in the modernisation process, kindly answered many of the visitors’ questions, was the house of Martina Middelberg. This building located in Walle dates to 1912 and was modernised by the ‘energy expert’ associated company Schaardt-Team, according to energy efficiency criteria suggested by ‘energy expert’ Burkhard Henning, following his detailed energy assessment.

The visitors were particularly interested in exterior wall insulation. ‘What is a composite thermal insulation system and how much did it cost?’ was among the questions asked to the ‘energy experts’. Other visitors showed particular interest in the energy assessment process. The solar thermal panels installed on Martina’s house also received a lot of attention.

Martina Middelberg was confronted with questions about improvements in the indoor climate following insulation, which she duly confirmed. ‘We have not noticed any differences in temperatures within rooms anymore’ she told the visitors. Details on the insulation were answered by Burkhard Henning, who led the construction management. ‘We used 14cm of insulation in order to meet KfW (a promotional bank under the ownership of the Federal Republic and the federal states which offers support to encourage sustainable improvement in economic, social, ecological living and business conditions) and BreMo funding criteria’ he explained. Styrofoam was used as insulation material. Following an inquiry from the visitor group, Bernhard Schaardt made clear that insulation has further ramifications than improved comfort: ‘Airing habits definitely have to change’.
The visitors also learnt some surprising details during the guided tours – for instance that triple glazing is only marginally more expensive than double glazing. ‘Following the request of the owner, we installed triple glazing and the difference has certainly convinced me’, Burkhard clarified about Middelberg’s house. It contributes noticeably to overall comfort the glass feels warm from the inside.

Bernhard Schaardt and Burkhard Henning already offered guided tours at previous house viewing days. Architect Henning is convinced that these annual free events motivate interested participants to consider energy modernisation. ‘I believe that people are more likely to trust demonstrable examples’. Bernhard Schaardt considers the house viewing day one of the most important events in this area. ‘There is an ever increasing number of well informed visitors; in previous years this has not been the case’ he observes. For the ‘energy experts’ this event is an excellent opportunity to provide an insight into high quality modernisation close to markets and customers.
Further information on the ‘energy expert’ network is available on www.energie-experten.net.