Inara Suites – an innovative example of circularity in the construction sector
ISOVER and RIGIPS support sustainable hotel construction project
A new apartment building, the "Inara Suites", is being constructed as an extension of the regionally renowned Seehotel Wiesler in Titisee in the Black Forest. In collaboration with the Sentinel Haus Institute (SHI), the construction project prioritises maximum sustainability and circularity. The aim is to create a building in which as many materials and components as possible can be reintegrated into biological or technical cycles once they reach the end of their service life. ISOVER and RIGIPS, two Saint-Gobain companies, are supporting this ambitious project by providing sustainable and health-recommended product solutions, as well as their unique "EASY ECO" sustainability promise.
The Inara Suites at the Seehotel Wiesler in Titisee show how construction can be made safer, healthier and more sustainable in future. Graphic: Ganter Architects
Even among experts, there is no longer any dispute about the fact that the construction and operation of buildings must become more climate-friendly, healthier and future-proof. The CO₂ emissions of commonly used building materials are too high, and the connections between components are too complicated to disassemble easily, which makes it difficult to reuse materials and return them to new material cycles. One of the goals of the innovative "Inara Suites" project is to change this. Within sight of the main building of Seehotel Wiesler, four high-quality guest rooms and two condominiums with a total living area of 380 m² are being built using timber frame construction. The entire building is evaluated using newly developed logic and made maximally transparent using criteria such as circularity, greenhouse gas emissions, social standards, water/soil/biodiversity, and material health.
"Honest circularity in the construction sector is an ecological necessity due to emerging resource scarcity, but it is also our ethical responsibility towards future generations", explained Peter Bachmann, founder and managing director of the Sentinel Haus Institute, at the project launch. "The "Inara Suites" project exemplifies how sustainable construction can be implemented seamlessly and consistently in practice without compromising on quality or affordability. We at the Sentinel Haus Institute are proud to accompany and support this pioneering approach." The project will also be evaluated and certified as only the second hotel in Germany under the new "GreenSign Circular" certification model. This model helps hotels to align and optimise their business models and construction measures in line with the principles of the circular economy.
High-performance, deconstructable solutions for timber construction and a reliable take-back promise
From the outset, insulation specialist ISOVER and drywall pioneer RIGIPS have supported the project as industrial partners. There are several good reasons for this, as Michael Berger, the market manager for timber construction and a project manager at both companies, explains: "For years, ISOVER and RIGIPS have been developing special construction solutions for modern timber construction. We are very pleased to now be able to contribute our joint expertise to the "Inara Suites." Specifically, ISOVER's bespoke ULTIMATE timber construction felts and RIGIPS' robust Rigidur H gypsum fibreboards will be used in the exterior and interior walls to provide the necessary thermal, fire and acoustic insulation in the guest rooms and apartments. Due to their excellent combined material and processing properties, these two non-combustible product solutions, recommended by the Sentinel Haus Institute and listed in the SHI database, are ideal for this special timber frame construction project in building class 4. Mineral insulation and cladding products, in particular, can form the basis of sustainable, future-proof construction in multi-storey timber buildings."
Project managers at a construction site meeting during the basement construction (from left to right): Tobias-Karim Meyer and Jessie Castro-Velez (Ganter Architects), Anna and Fabian Wiesler (builders and SHI project managers for circularity), Michael Berger (market manager for timber construction and project manager at ISOVER and RIGIPS). Photo: Seehotel Wiesler
"From the perspective of circularity and recyclability, however, another offering from both companies is crucial", continues Michael Berger. "Since summer 2023, our "EASY ECO" initiative has offered extensive take-back services for construction site waste and packaging materials. It also includes the collection of materials after the deconstruction of insulation materials made of stone wool, glass wool and ULTIMATE mineral wool, as well as all Rigips gypsum boards and Rigidur gypsum fibreboards installed after 1 July 2023. Our goal is to close the material cycle and offer our customers comprehensive recycling options today. This relieves them of the pressure of the impending landfill ban for recyclable construction products and enables them to implement proven sustainable building concepts — simply and transparently."
Further information about the "Inara Suites" project can be found in the regularly updated construction diary at www.sentinel-haus.de/www.sentinel-haus.de/InaraSuites-Bautagebuch-Teil-1, www.seehotel-wiesler.de, and www.greensign.de. More about EASY ECO at www.easy-eco.org.
SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GMBH
RIGIPS. You have the solution for everything. #RigipsForEverything
Recognised as a system provider of high-quality drywall solutions by construction professionals, RIGIPS offers a wide range of gypsum and speciality boards, Rigidur gypsum fibreboards, profiles and accessories, as well as high-performance joint fillers and compounds. The tested solutions prove their worth in interior and exterior drywall constructions. Particularly, the system offerings for weather-protected façade constructions make RIGIPS the ideal partner for timber frame construction. With its continually expanding range of healthy-living products and highly effective fire and soundproofing systems, the manufacturer stands for maximum safety and comfort. The comprehensive product and system portfolio is complemented by a wide range of services and personalised expert advice, providing valuable support in the planning and execution of even the most demanding construction projects. At the same time, RIGIPS is committed to environmental responsibility, focusing on sustainable climate protection and the conservation of natural resources. For instance, gypsum board recycling options increasingly close material cycles, while product packaging made from recycled materials reduces the need for primary raw materials. RIGIPS has repeatedly been recognised as a "Brand of the Century" and is one of the most significant brands for modern drywall solutions in the German market. The company is part of the international Saint-Gobain Group.
In a nutshell: Rigips® – for better building for the benefit of people and the environment.
ABOUT SAINT-GOBAIN
As a global leader in sustainable lightweight construction, Saint-Gobain develops, produces, and distributes materials and services for the construction sector and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, lightweight construction, and the decarbonization of the construction sector and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process. They offer sustainability and performance. The Saint-Gobain Group and all its brands are driven by the shared purpose of "MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME".
- €47.9 billion in revenue in 2023
- More than 160,000 employees, represented in 76 countries
- Committed to achieving CO2 neutrality by 2050
Find out more about Saint-Gobain at www.saint-gobain.de and follow us on LinkedIn Saint-Gobain Germany.
Further information:
SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GMBH
Schanzenstraße 84
40549 Düsseldorf
Postfach 11 09 48
40509 Düsseldorf
Phone: 02 11 / 55 03-0
Fax: 02 11 / 55 03-208
[email protected]
Editorial contact:
baumarketing.com GmbH
Christoph Tauschwitz
Laubenweg 13
D-45149 Essen
Phone: +49 201 2202 400
Fax: +49 201 2202 460
[email protected]