Munich, 3 July 2025 – The revitalisation of buildings is experiencing a new upswing, and not just because of falling interest rates. A recent analysis by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) on behalf of the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR) shows that demand for measures on existing buildings is rising in both residential and non-residential construction.
The construction industry is revitalising existing buildings and infrastructure through comprehensive rehabilitation and modernisation measures. The aim is to increase their utility value, extend their service life and adapt them to today's standards and requirements. This involves a holistic upgrade that takes technical, energy and aesthetic aspects into account. Revitalisation often involves converting buildings for new uses and increasing the attractiveness of urban spaces. EUROCONSTRUCT, a leading provider of forecasts for the European construction sector, sees demand for revitalisation projects in Germany remaining high, particularly in view of rising construction costs and increasingly scarce building land. Revitalisation is seen as a key strategy for making sustainable use of existing residential and commercial properties and adapting them to current environmental standards.
Tailor-made solutions from PORR
There are many reasons why builders and investors decide against new construction and opt instead for the refurbishment, renovation or revitalisation of existing buildings. In addition to less red tape, lower costs and shorter runtimes are decisive benefits. New construction projects, on the other hand, are often deterred by higher resource consumption, higher costs and the associated increased financing requirements, as well as the often longer runtimes. PORR covers all areas of construction and offers customers the choice between new construction and revitalisation.
Revitalisation saves grey energy: Project LUX 121 Cologne
A current example of comprehensive revitalisation is the LUX 121 project in Cologne. The revitalisation shows how the balancing act between sustainability, economic efficiency, functionality and aesthetics can be achieved. The office complex was built in two construction phases in 1978 and 1982 using a reinforced concrete skeleton construction. Until 2018, it housed the Cologne Job Centre and the Employment Agency. After rehabilitation, it will serve as the location for the Justice Centre. Building 1 consists of three segments with 10 and 15 storeys and approx. 26,781 m² of gross floor area, as well as a two-storey base. The building blocks, arranged at a 45-degree angle to each other, are around 40 metres long and up to 60 metres high. Together with the four segments of the six-storey building section 2, they form a polygon around a quiet inner courtyard. Building section 3 is formed by a two-storey pavilion in front.
The architects' designs envisage complete gutting of the buildings as well as a new, structurally optimised façade. A new lift core and additional emergency stairwells improve statics and fire protection and will enable flexible interior layout in future, as load-bearing interior walls can be removed. The property proves that modern and comfortable working environments can also be created in existing buildings. Compared to a new build, considerable resources and greenhouse gas emissions are saved and the character of the property as a whole is enhanced.
Inviting appearance with expanded use: R+V administration, Dortmund
Another example of resource-saving revitalisation is the modernisation of the administration building of Dortmunder R+V Lebensversicherung AG, originally built in 1959 in the first construction phase, with a gross volume of around 71,000 m³ in Dortmund's pedestrian zone. In addition to the demolition of two existing stairwells and the reconstruction of a representative main entrance, the project includes gutting and extended shell construction work. The building dominates the central axis of Dortmund's pedestrian zone. The floors in the three-storey base each offer 1,700 m² of retail space. A five-storey tower with a staggered storey rises from the western part of the building, which is currently largely unused due to difficult access. As one of the two stairwells was demolished a few years ago, the only staircase, which extends the full height of the building, could only be reached via a 30-metre-long emergency tunnel.
The modernisation and gutting of the retail space, as well as the development of the tower, will create an attractive building concept for retail, office and medical practices. An attractive main entrance with a staircase leading to all floors and a passenger lift, as well as a uniform façade design, give the building an inviting appearance.
Conclusion
Extensive rehabilitation and revitalisation require a particularly high degree of expertise, experience and flexibility in order to overcome the challenges that arise. Revitalisation projects such as LUX 121 in Cologne and the modernisation of the R+V building in Dortmund demonstrate that careful planning and professional execution can achieve economic, ecological and aesthetic goals. These projects offer significant benefits for investors, including resource savings, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the adaptation of existing buildings to modern standards.
