ZRS Architekten Ingenieure was founded in 2003 in Berlin as an integrated design and engineering partnership. The two firms ZRS Architekten GvA mbH and ZRS Ingenieure GmbH provide a large range of services including architecture, structural engineering, building certification, sustainability consultation, specialist assessments, material development and testing as well as academic work in the form of research projects and teaching. Activities of ZRS Architekten cover the full spectrum of architectural services throughout all work stages (LP 1-9 HOAI and FIDIC). With a wide range of expertise, ZRS develops innovative and efficient solutions for projects that use resources responsibly and address the growing worldwide awareness of the importance of healthy and environmentally conscious architecture.
Role: circularity, renovation (strategy), (timber) reuse
Within the SIRCULAR project, ZRS will work on the development of a holistic design and renovation strategy for existing office buildings, aiming to achieve ZeB standard. Sustainable, user-centric, social and economic aspects will be cornerstones of the concept. The design for the renovation of the building envelope will be based on reused, recycled and/or natural building materials. Particular emphasis will be placed on the implementation of reused or recycled timber, following the principles of circular construction and designed in light of a future non-disruptive dismantling for further reuse or recycling. For demonstration purposes, the holistic design concept will be virtually applied to a university building. The solution will address climate resilient design, focusing on passive strategies to improve occupant health and comfort without increasing energy demand. The dismantling and reuse potential of the design solutions will be assessed, and a circularity index will be defined to measure achievements.
