New glass facades in the renovation of older apartment buildings

This research project deals with new, glazed-in extensions as part of the renovation of older blocks of flats which are typically to be found in the inner suburbs of Copenhagen. In accordance with its purposes the research project gives an account of how it is possible in addition to building improvements and presumable low maintenance costs, to achieve energy savings. The research project comprises descriptions and analyses of glazed extension structures, as well as their energy aspects and economy. As something special, the report also comprises a questionnaire survey of how the residents have evaluated the utility value of the outdoor rooms and an evaluation of the architecture carried out by a panel of writers specialising in architecture. Among the results of the project are: Energy saving resulting from the glazed-in extensions can not in itself finance the extension - other considerations must be included in the decision making process. By simple building improvements and better information of the residents, bigger energy savings and better indoor climate can be achieved. The residents are - in spite of certain shortcoming of the outdoor rooms - very satisfied with them. The panel of architecture writers find that there generally should not be any hesitation when extending the courtyard facades. However, the best reports on the architecture are obtained by the most anonymous examples of glazed-in extensions. A great number of glazed-in extensions in older blocks of flats is expected in the years to come. The results of the research project can contribute to make these better