Integrated renovation completed in Tartu, Estonia, under the EU-funded oPEN Lab project, improving energy efficiency in a municipal residential building.
A five‑storey municipal apartment building in Tartu’s Annelinn district has completed an integrated renovation as part of the EU‑supported oPEN Lab project. The work included the installation of factory‑prefabricated façade panels incorporating insulation, new windows, and ventilation components. Building‑integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) were also added to generate energy on-site.
The renovation approach relied on off‑site assembled panels that were fixed directly to the existing external walls, which minimised on-site construction time and reduced disruption for residents. This method contributed to improved energy efficiency and supported the building in achieving Energy Class A.
In addition to structural upgrades, the project installed sensors to monitor energy consumption, including heating, electricity, and water systems. Shared ventilation ducts were also upgraded to optimise system performance and allow observation of energy flows throughout the building.
The renovation of this first apartment block in Tartu under the oPEN Lab project demonstrates a combined approach of prefabricated construction and energy-generating façades. It provides a framework for monitoring energy use and improving building performance in urban residential contexts.
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