Renovation practices in abandoned homes: Improved conditions for careful energy efficiency measures

There is a large stock of abandoned homes in Sweden that is increasingly attracting attention from municipalities and Boverket.

The aim of this project is to gain new knowledge about the stock, how these houses can be taken into use again and what their potential for energy efficiency is. Initially a survey will be conducted to create a typology of buildings. Then a small number of case studies are selected. These buildings are surveyed and the new owners’ approach to renovation is studied using renovation practice theory.

The project will draw conclusions on how more of theses houses can be taken into use again and become more energy efficient without damaging heritage values.

A guideline will be produced that can give homeowners advice on how to think when planning the renovation of a formerly abandoned home. The project is organised in the form of a PhD thesis in Conservation at Uppsala University.