Invisible living space: recognizing potential in existing buildings

The lack of living space is often answered with new construction. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly clear that a large part of the potential already exists in existing buildings.

The term "invisible living space" describes areas that are available but not being used. Attics, vacancies or unused parts of buildings can create additional living space without taking up new space.

The challenge of existing buildings

In practice, activating this potential is challenging.

Existing buildings are rarely clearly documented. They have grown and changed over the years and are often geometrically irregular.

Plans often no longer correspond to reality, which is precisely where uncertainties arise in planning.

The role of the inventory

Every conversion or redensification begins with a central question: What is actually there?

A precise inventory creates the basis for: - reliable planning - reduced risks - targeted interventions in the existing building

**3D as-built models as a basis ** Laser-scanned point cloud data enables the creation of 3D as-built models that accurately depict the current situation.

These models help to: - identify unused areas - plan conversions safely - develop existing structures efficiently

Conclusion

The existing building stock is one of the most important resources in the construction industry. If you record and understand it precisely, you can create additional living space without having to build new buildings. The basis for this is a realistic, resilient image of the existing building stock, because: if the existing building stock is not right, the planning is not right.