Energy-efficient renovation of the Hamburg House: progress and outlook!

Energy-efficient renovation of the Hamburg House: progress and outlook!

In Hamburg, the Hamburg House is currently being fundamentally renovated. Since the project began in 2024, Sprinkenhof GmbH, the city of Hamburg's real estate company, has been working intensively on improving the popular building. While the renovation work is being carried out in phases to maintain operations, progress has already been clearly noticeable. The roof structure is now sealed, the window panes have been replaced and the large hall is largely finished. These measures are part of a comprehensive plan that not only affects the building envelope, but also places a strong focus on energy-efficient innovations, fire and occupational safety, and accessibility.

The thermal insulation was improved in the basement, new roof insulation was installed and better insulated windows were installed. The house's electronics have also received an update, as old lighting has been replaced with modern LED technology. An important aspect of the renovation is the planned connection of the building to the district heating network, while the old gas heating system will be switched off. In addition, solar panels will be installed on the roof to reduce future electricity costs.

Financing and funding

Total costs of 13.4 million euros are estimated for the renovation of the Hamburg House. Of this, the city of Hamburg is contributing 8.5 million euros, while 4.9 million euros come from federal funds. The renovation is scheduled to be completed by 2027, with the renewal of the sewage system also planned. Investments in accessibility are also part of the project: motorized door openings and a “changing place toilet” are intended to make access easier for all visitors.

The IFB Hamburg supports such projects through various funding programs. Kristian Hentzschel, head of the energy and quality department at IFB, explains in a video how the city financially supports energy-saving renovations. The offer ranges from grants to low-interest loans so that homeowners can benefit from the advantages of energy-efficient renovation measures.

The advantages of energy-efficient renovations

The advantages that come with such renovations are manifold: They reduce energy consumption, increase living comfort and secure the value of the property. The recommended measures include thermal insulation on external walls, roofs and basement ceilings as well as replacing old windows and doors. These investments can not only significantly improve the quality of life, but also significantly reduce running costs in the long term.

As part of the “Every House Can Do Climate Protection” campaign, the city of Hamburg offers comprehensive information and tips for homeowners to help them with energy-saving renovations. Professional support from energy consultants and building experts is recommended in order to take the right measures and apply for financial support.

The initiative also includes a free initial consultation from the city's energy guides, who will help find the right funding. Those interested can explore the options for financial support via the Hamburg Investment and Development Bank (IFB) claim. Together with programs from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), which has been providing financial resources for new construction and renovation since July 1, 2021, the city is well positioned to meet the challenges of energy-saving renovation.

The Hamburg House has not only been an important part of the city's history since it opened in 1965, but also attracts around 250,000 visitors every year. The energy renovation measures are therefore not only an investment in the future of the house, but also an important step towards sustainable development in the heart of Hamburg.