RKW Architektur +: The future of building with existing properties and sustainability
RKW Architektur + is an established architectural firm based in Germany that specializes in the planning and implementation of construction projects in the residential, commercial, educational and cultural sectors. With over 400 employees and many years of experience, RKW offers comprehensive services from conception to realization. A particular focus is on sustainable construction and the use of modern technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modeling).
Expo Real: Focus on networking and personal contacts
Expo Real is primarily a meeting place for the real estate industry, where the focus is on personal exchange and networking. For RKW Architektur +, the trade fair is not designed to conclude specific projects, but offers a platform for maintaining existing contacts and making new ones. People come together here who would otherwise rarely meet in one place, which makes Expo Real a unique event. While the trade fair is not primarily a trendsetter, current topics such as sustainability and innovative construction methods, for example in clay and timber construction, are still present. These aspects provide important impulses, even if they are not the focus of the trade fair.
Portfolio-oriented thinking and challenges in residential construction
The current focus in the real estate sector is strongly on the use of existing properties. As many city centers are already largely built up, it is often a question of assigning new uses to existing buildings. The adaptation and conversion of such properties is an important trend, as it meets the demand for living and working space. Nevertheless, the question remains as to whether the available buildings are affordable and whether investors are willing to pay the asking prices. At the same time, the housing shortage is becoming more and more of an issue. The challenge is to create affordable housing that remains affordable despite rising construction costs and strict regulations. However, the multitude of regulations and standards makes it difficult to build cost-effectively, which is a key hurdle in residential construction, according to RKW Architektur +.
Sustainability and regulations: Obstacles and opportunities for the construction industry
Sustainability plays a major role in the real estate industry, but is often restricted by strict regulations and high construction requirements. From energy standards to sustainable energy supply, numerous requirements have to be met, making construction projects more expensive and housing construction more complicated. This raises the question of whether it would be possible to fall back on tried-and-tested construction methods that have to meet less stringent requirements but can still be energy-efficient. Old buildings from the turn of the century in particular continue to enjoy great popularity, as they often have good energy efficiency despite their solid construction. Issues such as accessibility and sound insulation are also important concerns, but their comprehensive implementation often puts a strain on construction projects. In order to make residential construction more attractive and affordable again, RKW Architektur + believes that a relaxation of the existing regulations is a necessary prerequisite.
