“Werkblock” in Bremerhaven
Construction
Cavipor® Reference Objects
Welcome to our Cavipor® Reference Objects. In collaboration with our sales partners, we have insulated around 2,000 houses with Cavipor in Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland and the UK.
Sustainable façade renovation with Cavipor®
The “Werkblock” residential complex in Bremerhaven is an architecturally and historically significant building complex that was constructed in the 1930s. The residential complex, which comprises over 100 flats, has been a listed building since 2009. The challenge: how can the building be renovated to improve its energy efficiency while protecting its historical substance?
The solution: thermal insulation of the cavity walls with Cavipor®
The mineral insulation system Cavipor® was used for the retrofitting of the façade. This innovative in-situ foam system was specially developed for the renovation of buildings with double-wall masonry – a construction method that is particularly widespread in northern Germany.
Renovation process
- Analysis & preparation: Inspection of the cavity layer and identification of drilling points.
- Insertion of the insulation material: Cavipor® foam was inserted into the cavity layer through small drill holes. Thanks to its fluidity, it fills even hard-to-reach areas completely and seals itself automatically.
- Completion & inspection: After hardening, the drill holes were sealed with joint mortar. The historic façade remained completely intact and undamaged – a major advantage for listed buildings.
The result: the perfect combination of heritage preservation and energy-efficient modernisation
The renovation of the Werkblock residential complex shows how modern insulation technology can be seamlessly integrated into historic architecture. Cavipor® significantly improves energy efficiency without making any visible changes to the façade or structure. It is a solution that combines sustainability, cost-effectiveness and architectural sensitivity.
Technical results:
- U-value of the wall before: 1.7 W/m²K
- U-value of the wall after: 0.5 W/m²K
- CO₂ amortisation: 4–8 months
“NEST” in Zürich
New Cavipor® use cases
The future is being built at Empa's NEST innovation building in Zurich – and Cavipor® is right at the heart of it. In the STEP2 project, a modular innovation unit for sustainable and digital construction, the mineral insulation material Cavipor® is being tested in two extended applications.
Extended applications – Cavipor® is used in two innovative areas in the STEP2 unit
1. Acoustic insulation in ceiling modules
In semi-open ceiling elements, Cavipor® serves as a sound absorber and ensures pleasant room acoustics – despite hard surfaces. With its porous structure, Cavipor® fractures the sound on its way through the foam, which prevents reflection. This enables high acoustic quality within the room, while at the same time giving architects greater design freedom.
2. Thermal insulation in floor construction
Cavipor® provides seamless thermal and sound insulation in the floor of the STEP2 unit. It also compensates for the height differences in the sloping screed. This allowed the floor to be laid on the substructure without any problems. After drying, the foam has optimal thermal and acoustic insulation properties and is dimensionally stable. In the STEP2 unit, Cavipor® was used for the first time in a wood hybrid application.
A step into the future
The STEP2 project impressively demonstrates how sustainable materials such as Cavipor® can be integrated into modern construction concepts. The combination of digital planning, resource-efficient construction and innovative use of materials makes STEP2 a showcase project for the construction industry of tomorrow.
The unit can now also be explored virtually: with just a few clicks, visitors can move freely through the rooms and discover innovative solutions and technologies that will shape the future of construction: Virtual NEST-Tour