Renovation and adding storeys: sustainable alternatives to a new replacement building

Building on greenfield sites is steadily declining. In many places, replacement new builds are considered the standard when it comes to densification in Switzerland. However, demolition and new construction is not always the best solution. Renovations and extensions offer clear advantages in many cases - both ecologically and economically.

why renovate instead of replace? cost benefits and shorter construction timeWith a stable building structure, renovations are usually cheaper and can be realised more quickly. Planning permission is also often less complicated than for a completely new building. Preserving character and identity Existing buildings tell stories. A renovation preserves the architectural charm, existing gardens or trees - values that would be irretrievably lost in a demolition.

Sustainability and climate protection. According to studies, renovations can reduce the Global Warming Potential (GWP) by 53-75 % compared to new replacement buildings. The reason: grey energy is retained and less building material is required.

Subsidies and tax benefits. Energetic renovations are supported by the federal and cantonal building programme. In addition, refurbishment costs can be claimed against tax - an advantage that new buildings rarely offer.

Flexibility and phased construction. Refurbishments and extensions can be realised in a targeted manner - room by room or stage by stage. In this way, the building remains partially usable while it is modernised step by step.

where laser scanning comes into play. regardless of whether it's an extension or renovation - planning reliability is the key. Only those who know the existing building precisely can plan and implement efficiently, which is precisely where VDE Villa Digital Engineering AG comes in: using state-of-the-art 3D laser scanning, we capture every detail of a building with millimetre precision.

This results in reliable CAD/BIM models that give architects and planners full transparency. Whether for energy-efficient refurbishment, roof extensions or façade renovation - our models are the basis for avoiding errors, delays and additional costs.