Many prefabricated buildings have an unbalanced indoor climate: high humidity and poor air circulation promote mould growth, while excessively dry air irritates the mucous membranes and can cause health problems. The reasons for this lie in overly airtight building envelopes, a lack of ventilation technology and the concrete used in construction – typical features of post-war industrialised housing.
This is where the Platte für Platte (Panel by Panel) project comes in. It is investigating how the indoor climate in prefabricated panel buildings can be improved using the natural building material clay – without any intervention in the building structure. Instead of being used as traditional wall plaster, the clay comes in the form of panels that are integrated into a modular furniture system. They regulate humidity in a natural way by absorbing moisture from the air and releasing it again when necessary. The aim is to create a more pleasant and stable indoor climate.
The clay panels are made of unfired clay and reinforced with natural materials such as jute, sheep's wool or cellulose. Special surface treatments ensure stability and suitability for everyday use without compromising recyclability. Thanks to its modular design, the system can be flexibly integrated into the standardised floor plans of the P2 and Q6 panel building types. Platte für Platte is an attempt not only to preserve the existing building stock, but also to take it further.
