What needs to be considered when adding reusable insulation systems to existing buildings? This practical question shaped the joint SIRCULAR and oPEN Lab training day held on 22 April 2026 in Estonia, organised within the TalTech training programme “Effective solutions for building renovation in practice”.
The day focused on structural aspects of deep renovation, linking circular design ambitions with the realities of ageing building stock. While circular renovation strategies often emphasise energy performance, speed and material reuse, this joint training day highlighted a critical prerequisite: a solid understanding of the load‑bearing behaviour of existing buildings.
Through a series of expert lectures, participants explored how prefabricated insulation elements interact with different construction typologies and what this means for safe, scalable renovation. Alar Oinus (Triami OÜ) introduced key principles behind the statics and design of additional insulation elements, while Kristo Paalandi (TalTech) provided detailed insights into the load capacity of old reinforced concrete and brick walls, drawing on typical building structures commonly found across Europe.
Organised in a hybrid format, the event enabled broad participation from renovation professionals during the busy construction season, including designers, consultants, construction managers and energy specialists. The joint day reinforced the importance of integrating structural engineering expertise into circular renovation strategies, ensuring that innovative solutions remain both technically sound and ready for real‑world implementation.
