New Life for Old Apartment Buildings

The reconstruction of older residential buildings presents a key opportunity to improve their energy efficiency, aesthetics, and quality of living, and should be part of the strategy to combat climate change. Photo: Tomáš Slavík

Sustainable and comprehensive reconstruction of older residential buildings can be significantly aided by a new publication Guide to Planning the Reconstruction of Residential Buildings, prepared by Sto and available for free download.

A simple application of floor coating, such as StoCryl BF 700, represents an ideal solution for basements and stroller rooms. With minimal costs, you can immediately improve the appearance of commonly gray spaces, increase their comfort and usability. Furthermore, the surface will become easier to maintain and cleaning will be significantly simpler. Photo: Sto

Not just the building envelope, but also the internal feeling

Common areas are often overlooked, yet they significantly influence the first impression and the everyday experience of living. Solutions with durable and easily maintainable surface finishes, quality flooring in basements, and properly designed insulation of basement ceilings are now standard rather than an addition. The same applies to the renovation of balconies and loggias or the protection of the concrete structures of the residential building.

Even minor adjustments to shared spaces – such as durable and washable wall and floor coatings or insulation of basement ceilings – can significantly enhance the appearance, comfort, and energy efficiency of the residential building. A cleverly chosen color concept can visually elevate these spaces to a whole new level. Photo: Sto

It is no news that insulating ceilings in unheated spaces or basements can significantly increase the thermal comfort of residents in the apartments located above them, while also preventing heat loss from the residential building by approximately an additional 10%. These spaces can also be given a completely new appearance, thus enhancing the overall impression of the house through minor adjustments, such as repairing damaged parts of the concrete floor and subsequently applying a practical floor coating. We should not forget the basic surface treatments of the walls in these common areas, which not only care for their design aspect but primarily ensure easy and quick maintenance. Examples of suitable solutions for common areas, basements, and stroller rooms can be found in the new Guide to Planning the Reconstruction of Residential Buildings.

Often underestimated parts, such as plinths or entrance areas, have a significant functional and visual impact. Photo: Michael Meschede

A facade that doesn't have to be boring

Reducing the energy consumption of residential buildings is a necessary step in the fight against the climate crisis, and their effective insulation is one of the most important measures we can take in this area. What is practical and beneficial for the environment can also significantly improve the aesthetics of the residential building itself and its surroundings – thanks to the sensitive and tasteful combination of facade materials from Sto.

These materials allow architects to increasingly work with creative combinations of various structures, textures, and technologies – creative plasters like StoSignature, clinker bricks, stone or glass facades, or a combination of multiple elements provide wide options. The result can be a reconstructed building whose appearance fully competes with a new build. The architect thus acquires a tool to provide not only a technical upgrade to the building but also a distinct appearance and character. And examples of practically and aesthetically extraordinary facades can also be found in the new Guide to Planning the Reconstruction of Residential Buildings.

The Guide to Planning the Reconstruction of Residential Buildings also takes you through methods of remediation and maintenance of already reconstructed residential buildings. Photo: ARGE Wohnungsneubau SF31

Maintenance of reconstructed spaces is a separate chapter

Investors embark on the reconstruction of a residential building primarily to extend its lifespan and increase energy efficiency. However, the care for the residential building does not end upon the completion of the reconstruction. A new facade and other restored parts of the building require regular maintenance to prevent them from falling back into disrepair after years of neglect. Keeping this in mind is essential during the design of the reconstruction project itself.


The Guide to Planning the Reconstruction of Residential Buildings brings numerous stimuli and inspiring solutions that demonstrate that even a reconstructed residential building can achieve the standards of a modern new build – while preserving its original character and authenticity.

Get inspired by the Guide to Planning the Reconstruction of Residential Buildings

In our Guide, you will find a practical assistant full of inspiring solutions for the revitalization of residential buildings. The new publication, spanning over 50 pages, shows that with today’s materials, reconstructing residential buildings is easy and financially effective – and the result can be a building indistinguishable from a quality new construction. Visit our website and familiarize yourself with the content of our Guide to Planning the Reconstruction of Residential Buildings.