Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
The client, Davos Municipality, did not require a sustainability certification or life cycle assessment. CURA Architecten conducted an internal, approximate carbon analysis of the project based on its structural volumes. The calculation does not take into consideration the interior fit-out or the use of renewable materials within the building.
- By preserving the existing structure, approximately 700 cubic metres of concrete was retained. This is equivalent to around 1,400 tonnes of carbon.
- The timber extension makes use of roughly 600 cubic metres of wood, sequestering around 300 tonnes of carbon and resulting in a net negative emission profile.
- If the extension had been built in concrete, it would have required an additional 500 cubic metres, generating around 1,000 tonnes of carbon.
- Compared to a full demolition and reconstruction in concrete, the combined approach of retaining the existing structure and building the extension in timber saved almost 2,700 tonnes of carbon and 700 cubic metres of construction volume in the load-bearing structure alone.
The project sets a strong example of a responsible approach to the built environment. It demonstrates how existing structures can be meaningfully adapted and upgraded to meet contemporary standards.
The primary goal was to minimise the building’s carbon footprint as far as possible. By preserving the existing load-bearing structure, the amount of new construction was reduced by approximately 40 percent. The entire extension was constructed as a timber frame structure.
Particular focus was placed on the use of renewable and recyclable materials.
Operational Emissions / Energy
Energy efficiency
- The old structure was entirely enveloped in a new, contemporary facade. The refurbished building meets modern energy performance standards.
- The building concept follows a low-tech approach, with all classrooms and offices naturally ventilated.
- A central atrium functions as a natural ventilation chimney, supporting passive air circulation throughout the building.
- The building utilises geothermal heating and and PV systems.
Taken together, this suggests a low-carbon operational profile, however measured energy use figures are not available.
Afterlife
One of the project’s key design principles was ensuring flexibility and long-term adaptability. The building’s layout is organised around a regular column grid, with non-load-bearing interior walls. This design allows for future reconfigurations of the spatial layout to meet changing functional requirements.
Disassembly and material recovery were integral to the project planning from the outset. The timber structure is prefabricated and assembled using screwed connections, allowing for future dismantling without damaging any components.
Composite materials were largely avoided, ensuring recyclability and supporting material separation at the end of the building’s life cycle.
Key products in low carbon design
