Titelbild: Mauerwerk 3/4/2014

Masonry construction – the dominant construction style for new residential buildings in Germany – can and must demonstrate its sustainability in terms of energy‐efficiency. The M1 energy‐plus masonry house is a pilot project that provides the first practical demonstration of how the benefits of masonry construction – such as its loadbearing capacity, fire safety and sound insulation – can be combined with current and anticipated energy‐efficiency standards. With simple, well‐thought‐out design details and carefully matched technical construction equipment, masonry energy‐plus houses are no longer just a vision. The main focus of the M1 project is to develop a cost‐efficient and saleable product which opens up new opportunities for consumers, designers and developers alike (see pp. 118–138). (Photo: Xella)