Especially in housing construction, demographic developments are a key indicator. Current studies show a considerable backlog demand in metropolitan regions. Unlike building on a green field, the urban development context is much more complex. Whereas in the case of free-standing detached houses, thermal insulation is the dominating technical criterion, the requirements for apartment block construction are much more complicated. The focus is often on the architectural design – especially in connection with urban planning competitions. Detached from construction types and materials, the question is with which material a building is technically realizable and how the economic success can be maximized. Building physic aspects are obligatory. Static requirements for the supporting structure increase with the complexity of the design. Yet, open layouts and façades with large window areas frequently dominate. Preconditions that are hardly compatible with masonry construction, and in extreme cases even making it dispensable. Nevertheless, apartment block construction is the most important market for masonry construction. Insofar, an analysis of the challenges and prospects should be worth doing.

Dipl.-Ing. Michael Pröll, Ziegel Zentrum Süd e.V.