The use of prefabricated wooden facade elements in the renovation of old concrete apartment blocks has proved to be a cost-effective and technically feasible method. According to architect, Kimmo Lylykangas, the renovation to passive level of an apartment block at Peltosaari in Riihimäki using the TES method has been a technical and economic success. ”As an end-result, I can say that the TES method is a highly significant and competitive alternative for repair and renovation construction. The dimensioning of elements, their installation and the integration of building technology were a complete success. The greatest challenges concerned ensuring the comfort of residents during the construction period, and the development of building site practices, by which the length of construction time can be significantly shortened and cost efficiency improved.”
In the Riihimäki renovation project, a 75% saving in heat energy was targeted, which can of course only be verified with certainty after the first heating season is over. Indoor air was further improved thanks to a renovated air-conditioning system, and the air-tightness of the building was improved almost to the standard of a passive building. At the same time, according to residents the sound insulation and architectural look of the building were greatly improved. ”We are now seeking new apartment block renovation projects using the method, as well as an industrial-scale method of renovating small residential houses,” says Jukka Sevon, Product Development Manager of Paroc Oy. ”In the current economic climate, it would be good if major building corporations also got into repair and renovation work. Based on the experiences of the Riihimäki Innova project, the TES method is useful for carrying out renovation projects on a large scale.