for reuse
in construction

KREIS-Haus

The project shows how a functioning circular economy can be implemented in buildings in a very small space.

Year of construction

2020 -23

Project type

New construction

Scope of the project

Medium

Type of customer

Private

Building use

Commercial

Building owner

Synergy Village

Project planning, management, design

Oikos

ZHAW Eco-Technology Research Group

Realization, construction

Eberhard

Tüscher Dach AG, porcelain stoneware tiles

The project

The KREIS house was planned and built according to the principles of the circular economy. The cycles for materials and resources are largely closed. Where possible, resources are saved and reused. The house consists of a fully developed small living unit with a conservatory built on top. The multifunctional conservatory brings a great additional benefit to the house and is the core piece that enables the overall circulation capability of the building. Thus, this provides additional heat and sound insulation, produces solar electricity, provides additional living space, allows cultivation of plants as in a greenhouse, as well as the reuse of treated wastewater and nutrients from feces. All components were built in such a way that they can be disassembled and reused or recycled at the end of their life. No (hazardous) waste is to be generated. All building materials are free of toxic substances and either of natural origin, durable and recyclable, reused or already recycled. The KREIS house also demonstrates how reduced living space can be lived comfortably with smart amenities. The KREIS-Haus is a demonstration and research object for circular building and living. Visitors can experience the building techniques used in practice, while data for further research and development can be development can be collected.

Reuse of materials and elements

The screw foundations can be reused or completely recycled after deconstruction. On the south side of the house, reused wood windows and doors from a demolition in the area were used. To achieve maximum insulation value even with reused windows and doors, two windows were installed one behind the other. With this physical 4-pane glazing, insulation values in the range of 3-pane glazing can thus be achieved. Reused porcelain stoneware floor tiles were cut and installed for the window ledges on the east side. The floor in the living room consists of a reused parquet, which was previously removed from an office building and reinstalled in the KREIS house. For the exterior doors, a reused balcony door from a demolition property was used on the south side. Some reused metal was used for the tinsmith work on the roof.

Origin and removal of reused elements and materials

Component mediation Lake Zurich-Upper Country

Contact

Oberschirmensee 16, 8714 Hombrechtikon, Switzerland

Project website

Email

Contact person : Devi Bühler