Literature review on renovation of multifamily buildings in temperate climate conditions

Abstract

In Sweden, approximately 1.4 million dwellings were built 1946–1975. Today, a considerable part of these are in need of renovation for various reasons. Research results, as well as experiences and outcomes from renovation projects could facilitate in performing more efficient renovations. As an aid for further research, this paper aims to compile and review relevant literature that may support in choosing a renovation strategy as well as decisions on renovation measures. The focus of this paper is research on status determinations, renovation strategies and renovation measures. Differences and similarities within these areas are presented through the analysis of 234 relevant references. The results show that renovation of multifamily buildings in temperate climate conditions is widely researched. The included research has a strong energy focus, and while other aspects of renovation are researched as well, they are not as strongly represented. Status determinations are often based on data from national databases that include useful information that could help alleviate decision making in the renovation process. This study suggests that future research should be conducted on the effect of such databases on the renovation process. This study also shows that there are numerous renovation strategies, and while there are both in-depth and broader strategies, these are seldom connected. Finally, there are many references evaluating various effects of the application of renovation measures, but some effects and measures are more widely researched than others. This study lays a strong foundation for further in-depth research on the reviewed articles, reports, and theses.