Housing company VIVAWEST has concluded the second construction phase of its major modernisation project in the Recklinghausen-Suderwich neighbourhood. Since work began in October 2023, a total of 22 multi-family residential buildings comprising 96 residential units have undergone comprehensive refurbishment along Friesenstraße and Teutonenstraße. The total investment volume amounts to around EUR 17.2 million. With the completion of the outdoor areas and green spaces, the residential surroundings are once again fully accessible to tenants.
At the core of the project was the energy-efficiency realignment of the existing portfolio. The previous fossil-fuel heating supply was replaced by air-to-water heat pumps. In addition, insulation was added to the building facades, roofs, basement ceilings, and top-floor ceilings. Combined with the replacement of windows, doors, and radiators, emissions are reduced by more than 80 per cent. Consequently, the energy efficiency rating of the buildings improved from the previous grade H to A+.
Infrastructural additions and accessibility
Photovoltaic systems were installed on the roof surfaces, generating electricity that both supports heat pump operations and is directly available to tenants. Alongside the core energy measures, VIVAWEST renewed the balcony structures across all residential buildings. The properties at Friesenstraße 72 to 74 were also fitted with lifts for the first time, providing step-free access. Comprehensive electrical maintenance and decorating work, as well as 42 newly built garages and eleven outdoor parking spaces, complete the upgrade of the neighbourhood.
A key aspect of the project lies in long-term affordability. Through the inclusion of public state subsidies, 48 of the 96 flats, which were previously privately financed, are now subject to long-term rent controls. Michael Marx, Head of Existing Building Technology at VIVAWEST, stated that the company is currently investing more than ever in the energy modernisation of its existing portfolio. He noted that this is the only way to meet climate protection targets while keeping high living standards affordable for various income groups.
Integration into VIVAWEST's wider portfolio
The completed scheme is part of a multi-stage neighbourhood development. VIVAWEST manages almost 3,400 residential units in Recklinghausen, including well over 900 in the Suderwich district. Between 2021 and 2024, the company had already modernised 192 flats in directly neighbouring parts of the quarter. Of these, 134 units underwent energy refurbishments, while 58 further flats saw a switch in energy sources alongside accompanying maintenance.
