Top Climate Plan - Pontoon Park Gangway

 In January 2009 the Internationale Bauausstellung IBA (International Building Exhibition Hamburg) launched its “Top Climate Plan: Achieving Environmentally Friendly Buildings with the IBA” in conjunction with a number of partners.

The aim of this campaign was to make property owners aware of energy standards and the potential for renovating their homes, as well as to carry out model projects. Later that year, in summer 2009, a total of 65 homeowners had their properties assessed by an energy consultant and received an “IBA Excellence” Hamburg Energy Pass. The first renovation plans were put into action by late 2011. Other projects have been completed in spring 2013.
 
One of the first investigations in summer 2009 was the property at Ellerholzweg 1b. The youth welfare organisation Gangway e.V. maintains three floating pontoons here on the Reiherstieg branch of the Elbe; these are used as a training facility for the organisation’s youth work, and as accommodation for young people. Two of the three pontoons have been overhauled. Their outer shells have now been completely modernised: the rafters of the exterior walls have been doubled, and the walls filled with mineral wool and fitted with new curtain walls; the ceilings of the structures have been insulated with mineral wool; and the floors on top of the two pontoons air-cleaned with cellulose. Triple-glazed windows have been added and ventilation systems with heat recovery installed. Heat will be provided by oil-powered condensing boilers and solar thermal systems. The roof will also be fitted with a photovoltaic unit.
 
Numerous partners have supported this ambitious project with funding, products, and services. Of all the IBA projects, Gangway has the largest number of sponsors and supporters.

In addition, most of the renovation has been carried out in-house, with countless supporters assisting in the organisation’s voluntary work. The renovation also offers a good opportunity to train young people as part of Gangway’s educational programme.