Renovation of housing using a glass skin, extra space, more comfort, better energy performance and an extended life span

In almost every European country a large stock of houses exists. Many houses are outdated in respect to the space offered to the occupants, the general level of comfort and the energy performance. In the Netherlands some 1,300,000 post war houses built in the 1946 - 1965 period are now outdated and are facing either renovation or demolition. Row houses consist of some 50% of the total housing stock. In this research a method of renovation using a greenhouse like skin is presented. The glass skin is placed over an existing house giving space for additions and creating a thermal buffer. It is more or less like fruits and vegetables being preserved in glass. The consequences regarding ventilation, occupant requirements and build ability are discussed. The result of this approach is prevention of demolition of outdated houses and enabling the occupants to stay in their dwellings. The occupants will enjoy more space, more comfort and an improved energy performance.