Sustainable Building

DUH, Architects for Future Rally 70 Groups Against German Demolitions

Berlin – September 10, 2026 -- Germany's Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) will lead a coalition of more than 70 organizations in a protest outside Berlin's Rotes Rathaus on September 10, 2026, demanding that state building ministers halt what the group calls the country's "demolition mania" ahead of the Bauministerkonferenz.

Official data shows 12,000 buildings demolished annually in Germany
DUH cites government statistics recording 12,000 building demolitions per year nationwide, while independent estimates suggest the true figure could be up to four times higher. Each avoidable demolition destroys embedded "grey" greenhouse gas emissions already locked into structures, along with recoverable building materials and raw resources, according to the coalition.

DBU Backs €300,000 Ice-Storage Retrofit of 17th-Century German Manor

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DBU Backs €300,000 Ice-Storage Retrofit of 17th-Century German Manor

Gröningen – September 08, 2026 -- The Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU) is funding a roughly €300,000 renovation of the 17th-century Rittergut Edelhof manor in Gröningen, Saxony-Anhalt, installing one of Germany's first water-ice thermal storage systems in a historic building. The project, underway since late last year, is scheduled for completion by April 2028 and aims to return residential use to a building vacant since the 1990s.

Water-ice storage cuts heating energy demand by up to 50 percent

A heat pump extracts energy from water until it freezes, supplying heat during sub-zero temperatures without large battery storage. Scientific project lead Prof. Dr. Harald Garrecht said this system works alongside a roof-integrated heat-recovery unit that draws warmth from the environment above freezing, together cutting required heating energy by up to 50 percent.

md and db Bring Circular Renovation Practice to Fourth "anders! bauen im Bestand" Symposium

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md and db Bring Circular Renovation Practice to Fourth "anders! bauen im Bestand" Symposium

SHERIDAN, WYOMING -- July 08, 2026 -- Architecture publications md and db will host the fourth edition of their joint symposium series "anders! bauen im Bestand" on July 08, 2026, at the Hospitalhof in Stuttgart, with a parallel livestream option. The program centers entirely on renovation and adaptive reuse this year, bringing together architects, engineers and manufacturers to address resource-conscious, circular building and energy-efficient retrofitting. Speakers will present both conceptual frameworks and completed projects, including the redevelopment of Stuttgart's former Breitling department store into the newly opened Haus des Tourismus. The event carries continuing-education recognition from the Chamber of Architects of Baden-Württemberg.

ARCHITECT@WORK Düsseldorf 2025 Puts Sustainable Building Innovation at Center Stage

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ARCHITECT@WORK Düsseldorf 2025 Puts Sustainable Building Innovation at Center Stage

SHERIDAN, WYOMING - November 13, 2025 - ARCHITECT@WORK (A@W) will return to Messe Düsseldorf on December 3-4, 2025, with a sharpened focus on sustainable building and architectural transformation. The curated event, long regarded as a must-attend platform for specifiers, architects, and interior designers, is positioning its 9th Düsseldorf edition around the industry's most urgent mandate: repurposing, upgrading, and decarbonizing the built environment.

Branchentag Holz 2025: Cologne’s timber trade hub returns with market insights, “Neues Bauen” focus, and the GD Holz Forum

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Branchentag Holz 2025: Cologne’s timber trade hub returns with market insights, “Neues Bauen” focus, and the GD Holz Forum

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 04, 2025 – Germany’s flagship timber trade gathering, Branchentag Holz, returns to Koelnmesse on November 11–12, 2025, bringing wood wholesalers, manufacturers, service providers, and suppliers together for two days of deal-making, policy dialogue, and product discovery. With exhibition, conference, and awards under one roof, the event is positioned as a high-value stop for procurement teams and executives planning 2026 assortments, partnerships, and sustainable construction strategies.

Event at a glance: format, venue, hours
The 18th edition is staged in Cologne (Koelnmesse, Hall 8, North Entrance) and runs Tuesday 09:00–18:00 and Wednesday 09:00–16:00. The concept blends a compact two-day trade fair with the GD Holz Forum conference, enabling visitors to move seamlessly from technical sessions to supplier meetings and back to the show floor.

Vortex Marks 30 Years of Global Innovation in Sustainable Water Play Design

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Vortex Marks 30 Years of Global Innovation in Sustainable Water Play Design

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 21, 2025 – Montreal-based Vortex Aquatic Structures International is celebrating its 30th anniversary, underscoring three decades of leadership in designing and manufacturing aquatic play environments for municipalities, resorts, and entertainment destinations worldwide. Known for pioneering the original Splashpad®, the company has grown into a global powerhouse with more than 12,000 installations across 50 countries.

Expanding from Local Start-Up to Global Industry Leader
Founded in 1995 with a mission to reimagine underused public spaces, Vortex has evolved into a multinational enterprise with headquarters in Montreal and regional offices in the U.S., Spain, and the Netherlands. Employing nearly 250 people, the company continues to expand its global footprint through strategic acquisitions and new manufacturing capacity.

SWIMMING IN ATMOSPHERE by 4a Architekten Brings Human-Centered Pool Design to aquanale 2025

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SWIMMING IN ATMOSPHERE by 4a Architekten Brings Human-Centered Pool Design to aquanale 2025

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 21, 2025 – The renowned architecture studio 4a Architekten will present its acclaimed exhibition SWIMMING IN ATMOSPHERE – WASSERWELTEN II at aquanale 2025 in Cologne, highlighting the evolving role of architectural design in creating emotionally resonant and sustainable aquatic spaces. The showcase underscores how design innovation can transform public pools, spas, and wellness facilities into multisensory experiences that combine energy efficiency, aesthetics, and social value.

Designing for Experience: How Architecture Shapes the Atmosphere of Water Spaces

CENTRAL-POOL® Redefines Energy-Efficient Luxury Pools Ahead of Aquanale 2025

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CENTRAL-POOL® Redefines Energy-Efficient Luxury Pools Ahead of Aquanale 2025

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 21, 2025 – Czech pool manufacturer Centralplast, known for its premium brand CENTRAL-POOL®, is setting new standards in custom pool design and sustainable innovation. With a strong export base across Europe and a growing international footprint, the company will showcase its next-generation energy-saving pool systems at Aquanale 2025 in Cologne, Germany (Hall 07.1 | B041 A040).

Alukov Brings Smart, Sustainable Pool Enclosures to Aquanale 2025

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Alukov Brings Smart, Sustainable Pool Enclosures to Aquanale 2025

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 21, 2025 – Alukov, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of premium pool, spa, and patio enclosures, is set to showcase a new generation of precision-engineered designs at Aquanale 2025, held in Cologne from October 28–31. The company’s latest innovations aim to redefine outdoor living through energy efficiency, modern aesthetics, and intelligent functionality.

Innovating Pool and Patio Design for Modern Architecture
At the heart of Alukov’s presentation is a commitment to harmonizing architecture, comfort, and sustainability. The brand’s 2025 lineup demonstrates how advanced materials and refined engineering can enhance outdoor environments without compromising design integrity.

EGOA Brings Mobile Finnish Sauna Innovation to Aquanale 2025

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EGOA Brings Mobile Finnish Sauna Innovation to Aquanale 2025

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 21, 2025 – Finnish wellness innovator EGOA is redefining the global sauna experience with a new generation of mobile Finnish sauna and accommodation units that combine mobility, craftsmanship, and scalability. The company will showcase its ready-to-use wellness cabins at Aquanale 2025, held from October 28–31 in Cologne, Germany, targeting international hospitality operators and distributors.

Mobile Wellness Solutions for Hotels, Resorts, and Spas
EGOA’s premium sauna and cabin units are built entirely on wheels, offering transportable, fully assembled wellness environments that can be deployed anywhere—from alpine resorts to coastal retreats. Each unit is designed to withstand diverse climates while maintaining authentic Finnish sauna quality and user comfort.