Renovation Projects: Rethink Reuse Renovate

Rethink. Reuse. Renovate.

Renovation is an act of care — an investment in the spaces we already have, and in the people who use them every day. Whether it’s a school, a housing association, or a commercial building, the process of renewal asks us to look closely, think creatively, and design with respect for both the past and the future.

This book brings together a series of architectural renovation projects that show how thoughtful design can transform existing structures into more sustainable, functional, and inspiring environments. These

are not luxury homes or iconic landmarks. They are the kinds of buildings that shape daily life for many.

Each case highlights how renovation can be a powerful tool for improving comfort, usability, and longevity, while also responding to changing needs, climate goals, and social contexts.

We hope this collection offers not only a practical reference, but also a source of inspiration for everyone committed to making the most of what already exists.

The Office, Riga Latvia

Architect: ar.4

Type: Office and residential building

Year: 2019

Product: Carat 8099

“This project creates a bold dialogue between old and new, preserving the original timber-clad façade while adding a streamlined, modern extension that redefines the building’s identity.”

Andris Vitols Architect at ar.4,

Blending Heritage and Modernity in Riga

In central Riga, just one kilometer north of the Daugava River, a striking transformation has redefined the relationship between old and new. The renovation and extension of an existing building posed a unique challenge: how to preserve the historic façade while adding a bold, modern extension above it. Architect Andris Vitols approached the task by carefully integrating a streamlined upper volume with clear contrasts in both material and design.

The lower part of the building retains its traditional character with darkstained timber cladding and window details that echo local historic architecture. In contrast, the upper three storeys are distinctly contemporary, clad entirely in smooth, white fibre cement panels. These new volumes are set back on the fourth and fifth floors to create deep balconies and reduce the visual scale toward Bruninieku Street.

Architectural Contrast and Cohesion

The building plays with contrast on multiple levels: material vs. material, texture vs. smoothness, dark vs. light. Horizontal timber boards on the original concrete structure meet the clean, white surfaces of the fibre cement cladding above, which is installed in a mix of vertical and horizontal formats. The backside of the building tells a different story entirely. Here the full five-storey structure rises as a singular architectural tower.

This project is a strong example of how historic preservation and modern architecture can coexist through deliberate contrast, innovative façade design, and thoughtful spatial transitions. It creates a new architectural identity while remaining grounded in the building’s original urban context.

Grønnegården, Aalborg

Denmark

Architect: KAAI – Kærsgaard and Andersen A/S

Type: Residential building

Year: 2018

Product: Zenor Custom Colour

“Grønnegården has undergone a comprehensive total renovation, where only the interior and load-bearing rear walls were preserved. It is certainly a radical approach, chosen deliberately to optimize the buildings’ energy performance by constructing entirely new façades and selecting the right, future-proof materials.”

- Ulrich Thagaard, Director of Hasseris Housing Association

Sirkkala School, located in the historic eastern part of Turku and within Finland’s National Urban Park, is a great example of how old and new can come together in a meaningful way. The project included the full renovation of three wooden school buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s, updates to a school building from the early 2000s, and the addition of a brand-new extension that ties the whole campus together.

The new red brick building was designed with care to match the scale and feel of the neighbourhood. It links the old timber structures with modern architecture, creating a balanced, respectful addition to the historic surroundings.

One of the most distinctive features of the project is the public art, created

Sirkkalan Koulu, Turku Finland

Architect: Arco

Type: School

Year: 2023

Product: Planea Custom Colours

together with the students, who were involved every step of the way. Led by visual artist Maikki Rantala, the children took part in workshops exploring local history and street art techniques. Their sketches and characters were later transformed into large scale façade elements: CNC-etched patterns on fibre cement panels, a concrete relief, and window graphics. These playful details serve as the students’ creative signature, leaving a lasting imprint on the school’s architecture and identity.

Sirkkala School was awarded the 2023 Public Choice Award for Good Building Practice in Turku, recognised for its imaginative combination of old and new, and for creating an inviting and inspiring learning environment that honours both tradition and the future.

Botkyrka, Stockholm Sweden

Architect: SWECO Architects

Type: Residential building

Year: 2024

Product: W146-8 Grey

After more than half a century, it was time for the six high-rise apartment buildings on Botkyrkavägen in Vårby Haga to undergo a renovation that would both bring them up to modern standards and restore their original character.

Constructed between 1960 and 1961, the buildings were originally designed with spacious apartments and built using high-quality, durable materials characteristic of the era.

The renovation involved a complete overhaul of the façades. Swisspearl W146-8 was selected for the exterior cladding to carefully recreate the façades’ original 1960s appearance, preserving the architectural integrity and staying true to the vision of the original design.

Barsauskog.66, Kaunas, Lithuania

Architect: Vytautas Janušaitis

Type: Office and business center

Year: 2017

Product: Reflex Custom Colour

Swisspearl façade cladding in various tones has been utilized in both the exterior and the interior of Barsauskog.66. The delicate overlapping of the vertical strips of black Swisspearl panels creates a playful sense of movement across the façades of the dark volume. The shifting play of window openings softens the façades and gives the central volume an interesting character, making it the focal point of the L-shaped building.

Sofie Amaliegården, Fredericia

Denmark

Architect: Arkitektfirma Thomas Thomsen DanskeArk ApS

Type: Residential building Year: 2018

Product: Carat Ivory 8099 and Gravial Amber 723

“Choosing a long-lasting and low-maintenance solution was essential. We had used Swisspearl Carat panels in earlier projects and were confident in their quality even the white panels maintain their color over time.”

Birger Gade, Architect and partner at Arkitektfirma Thomas Thomsen DanskeArk ApS

A housing development

In the heart of Fredericia, the social housing association Boli.nu has completed a comprehensive renovation of Sofie Amaliegården, a housing association originally built in 1952. Following several years of planning, the buildings have been modernized from basement to roof, including the installation of 2,850 m² of new façade cladding. The result is a refreshed architectural expression that honours the original design while meeting contemporary standards.

The renovation covers 100 newly upgraded apartments and introduces a harmonious façade solution in a dense urban setting near Fredericia Station. Designed by architectural firm Arkitekt Thomas Thomsen DanskeArk, the project emphasized durability and low maintenance, leading to the selection of fibre cement panels.

Contrasting Materials

To replace the outdated dark stone façade, white Swisspearl Carat panels were chosen for their clean look and long-term performance. Given the building’s scale — five storeys tall and nearly 150 meters in length — the white surface was intentionally broken up with varied materials and tones at selected sections.

Zinc cladding and Swisspearl Gravial panels in a warm brown hue were used around the entrance zones. Gravial features milled grooves that create depth, variation, and shadow play, bringing subtle dynamism to the façade. These panels were also installed in horizontal bands between windows. Since the screws are concealed within the grooves, the facade retains a calm and cohesive appearance.

“A particular challenge was designing the new wing so that it would harmonize with both the protected, copper-clad main building and the extension of our office designed about ten years ago. The profiled steel used back then is no longer available, so to achieve a unified appearance, we chose to clad both extensions with Swisspearl’s grooved Gravial façade panels.”

Tuukka Karjalainen, Lead Architect

at Laitila Arkkitehdit Oy

Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone, Kotka Finland

Architect: Tuukka Karjalainen, Laitila Arkkitehdit Oy

Type: Hotel

Year: 2025

Product: Gravial Anthracite 3020, Reflex Anthracite 4021, and Vintago-Reflex VIR 9000

The historic Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone, located on Kotkansaari, has undergone extension and renovation. Both the new and earlier additions were clad with Swisspearl’s grooved Gravial façade panels, carefully chosen to complement the original building’s protected copper cladding.

The use of grooved fibre cement panels was a deliberate design decision to echo the character of the original profiled copper surface. While the copper’s grooves are more sharply defined, the overall texture and colour tone of the new cladding closely reflect those of the historic material. The hues and degrees of darkness in the fibre cement panels were also thoughtfully matched to

align with both the main building and the previous extension.

Beyond visual harmony, low maintenance, and long-term durability were key criteria in selecting the façade material. In a hotel setting, a resilient façade is essential to ensure uninterrupted operation. Fibre cement panels provide a robust, weather-resistant surface capable of withstanding harsh northern climates and UV exposure without fading or deterioration over time.

Swisspearl also supplied Reflex and Vintago Reflex façade panels, along with the steel profiles required for panel installation.

Rahbeksvej, Fredericia Denmark

Architect: Rambøll

Type: Residential building

Year: 2025

Product: Zenor 33106 and Carat Custom Colour

“The decision to integrate former balconies into the living space became a catalyst for architectural renewal, resulting in a bold façade redesign that combines fibre cement panels with carefully selected materials like red-tinted glass.”

Renovation of 84 apartments

In central Fredericia, the housing association Boligkontoret Fredericia carried out a comprehensive renovation of 84 apartments from 1957. Alongside energy upgrades and kitchen replacements, the project included a full façade redesign, prompted by the decision to incorporate former built-in balconies into the apartments and add new terraces and balconies.

To avoid mismatched brickwork between old and new sections, Swisspearl Carat fibre cement panels were chosen as an expressive alternative. Installed in two red color tones, the panels complement the existing roof tiles, while red-tinted glass balcony railings add a modern touch. The result is a contemporary reinterpretation of the original red brick façades. Swisspearl’s durable, low-maintenance façade panels proved ideal for this large-scale renovation, delivering long-term performance with a refreshed architectural identity.

Hjälmen, Halmstad Sweden

Architect: White Arkitekter, Ellika Stare

Type: Residential building

Year: 2009

Product: Patina Original NXT P 020, P 222, P 626

The renovation of 338 apartments in the Andersberg area has brought about a complete transformation of the neighbourhood. Originally built in the 1960s, the buildings had not undergone any renovations since their construction.

Five building blocks have now been clad with Patina Original NXT P 020, P 222, and P 626.

The selected fibre cement panels were chosen for their visual resemblance to wooden cladding. To break up the long façades and create a fresh, vibrant appearance, they were divided with horizontal bands in contrasting colors and dimensions. Entrances and window frames were highlighted with accent colors to add personality and character to the buildings, while large house numbers introduce a playful design element that stands out against the new cladding.

Behind the façade, seven centimeters of additional insulation have been installed, significantly lowering the housing association’s energy consumption. As a result, the association now saves approximately SEK 100,000 (9.130 €) annually.

Upgrading what’s already there is often a smarter and more sustainable choice than starting from scratch.

With Swisspearl fibre cement panels, you get a durable, protective façade that meets today’s performance standards without compromising on safety or design.

LH Residential Building, Varna Bulgaria

Architect: STARH, Varna

Type: Café and residential units

Year: 2018

Product: Gravial Ivory 3090, Carat Ivory 8090, Nobilis Custom Colour (R)

‘The façades of the new floors are clad in three types of Swisspearl panels with colors that are identical in tone to the plaster’.

LH Residential in Varna Bulgaria

A vibrant, contemporary urban residence

Originally constructed in 1923, the LH residential building has undergone a striking transformation into a vibrant, contemporary urban residence. Led by STARH, the renovation preserves the spirit of the original structure while seamlessly introducing modern design and functionality.

Occupying a prominent corner near Varna’s Sea Garden, the original two-story building was not officially listed as cultural heritage. Yet its sentimental value to the owner and the rich ornamentation by acclaimed sculptor Kiril Shivarov gave it architectural and emotional significance. Instead of opting for demolition, STARH chose to integrate the existing structure into a new five-story composition, retaining its historic façade and character while extending its relevance for the future.

The redesigned building now hosts a café at ground level and three residential units above, culminating in a two-story maisonette. Although the new addition presents a distinctly contemporary expression with recessed façades, vertical window rhythms, and a sculptural corner volume, it maintains visual harmony through the use of custom-colored Swisspearl panels. These panels mirror the soft, light-toned plaster of the original façade, creating a subtle yet deliberate dialogue between past and present.

Šaltinio Comprehensive school, Marijampolè, Lithuania

Architect: UAB „Plėtros partneriai“

Type: School

Year: 2025

Product: Zenor Custom Colours

Following a thorough renovation, Šaltinio Comprehensive School has been transformed into a warmer, more modern, and inclusive learning environment. The building is not only visually upgraded but also significantly improved in comfort, safety, and functionality — ready to meet the needs of today’s education.

Key upgrades include extensive thermal insulation, a modern ventilated façade, insulated foundations, and a renewed roof. All designed to boost energy efficiency and improve the indoor climate.

The new Šaltinio School stands as a clear example of long-term investment in children’s well-being and educational quality, offering a vibrant, safe, and inspiring space for learning, growth, and creativity.

Dr. Forselius Gata, Gothenburg Sweden

“At Dr Forselius Gata in Gothenburg, six residential buildings underwent a largescale façade renovation to restore their original architectural expression. The existing façades were severely worn and damaged, causing air leakage and poor indoor comfort. The refurbishment included replacing both the cladding and the windows, executed in a style closely aligned with the original appearance.”

Posten, Borås Sweden

Architect: Arkcon Arkitekter

Type: Residential building Year: 2024

Product: Façade: Reflex 4092.

Courtyard façade: Carat 8090, 8020, Nobilis 624, 421, 521

The former post office building in Borås has been carefully transformed into modern housing through a combination of rooftop extensions, courtyard upgrades, and renewed balcony structures. The project reflects a layered material strategy, using various types of fibre cement panels to meet architectural and technical demands.

The new rooftop floor is clad in white Reflex panels, creating a clean, modern contrast to the original masonry. In the courtyard, the façade is composed of a mix of Zenor, Nobilis, and Carat panels, each contributing subtle shifts in colour, texture, and finish across the long elevations.

The underside of the loft access walkways is finished with Construction building boards, which are also used as balcony screens where fire safety was a key consideration. The sheltered undersides of the balconies are clad with Multi Force, a board typically used indoors, but well-suited for protected exterior applications due to its durability.

This transformation highlights how combining different panel types can deliver both visual diversity and long-term performance in complex renovation projects.

Apartment Building, Turku Finland

Architect: Arosuo Arkkitehdit Oy

Type: Residential building

Year: 2023

Product: Zenor 11006, Planea Custom Colour

‘‘The renovation of this 1960s residential building significantly improved comfort and energy efficiency, while giving the façade a fresh, modern look.

Swisspearl’s Planea and Zenor panels were used on balcony rear walls, partition walls, and ceilings, also serving as fire barriers without the need for extra protection.’’

Patina Original NXT P 020

NCS S 3502-B

Patina Original NXT P 313

NCS S 4020-Y30R

Patina Original NXT P 323

NCS S 3030-Y70R

Patina Original NXT P 333

NCS S 4020-Y60R

Patina Original NXT P 343

NCS S 4040-Y60R

Sälghugget, Uddevalla Sweden

Architect: Adam Khan Architects

Type: Residential building

Year: 2022

Product: Patina Original NXT P 020, P 313, P 323, P 333, P 343

In northern Uddevalla, a large-scale renovation of 15 residential buildings from the 1970s was carried out as part of the Sälghugget project. Originally built under Sweden’s Million Programme, the buildings were upgraded with additional insulation and new façades clad in Swisspearl Patina Original NXT fibre cement panels. The façade concept features two distinct installation patterns: diagonal layouts and smaller-format, shingle-like panels mounted with rivets on a steel substructure to enhance fire safety and moisture protection.

The through-coloured and sanded Patina NXT panels in earthy tones create a cohesive yet varied architectural expression and develop a natural patina over time.

The project has been nominated for Building of the Year in the Renovation category and serves as a model for the sustainable transformation of post-war housing.

Vadgårdsparken, Søborg Denmark

Architect: KANT Arkitekter

Type: Residential building

Year: 2007

Product: Carat Custom Colours

254 apartments in Vadgårdsparken have undergone a full-scale renovation. The project had a clear ambition: preserve the iconic architecture and colour scheme that residents had identified with since the 1980s.

The original façade was replaced with high-quality fibre cement panels chosen for their long lifespan, low maintenance needs, and ability to replicate the historic colours. Several custom shades were developed across the site, helping reestablish the character of the five distinct courtyard clusters that structure the community.

Today, more than 16 years later, the façade panels still retain their colour depth and original expression. The through-coloured panels have weathered time and climate with minimal upkeep, contributing to both the aesthetic continuity and the social cohesion of the housing association.

“We needed a material that could precisely match the existing colours, and at the time, Swisspearl’s through-coloured panel was the only real option. The fact that the colour still holds today is a huge bonus.”

Miraallén, Gothenburg Sweden

Architect: Erséus Arkitekter AB

Type: Residential building

Year: 2016

Product: Carat Custom Colour

Built in 2003, Miraallén is located directly on the quay at Norra Älvstranden in Gothenburg, a beautiful yet exposed setting. By 2015, the housing association decided to replace the façade due to ongoing moisture problems.

Fiber cement panels were chosen for the renovation, as they offer excellent moisture resistance and surpass many other materials in terms of durability.

Swisspearl’s products were selected to preserve the area’s colour palette and replicate the original plaster as closely as possible. The through-coloured white panels from Swisspearl proved ideal in both tone and texture.

Flow 55, Turku, Finland

Architect: Arkkitehtitoimisto Arosuo Oy

Type: Residential building

Year: 2020

Product: Zenor 11006, 67159

An old administrative building in central Turku was transformed into a modern residential complex with 43 modern apartments. The renovation retained the original structure but introduced a striking new façade using black and white fibre cement panels, creating contrast and rhythm along the 110-metre frontage.

A bold façade with black and white fibre cement panels gives this former office building a fresh, modern identity.

Large glazed balconies add to the building’s clean, modern look, contributing to the revitalisation of Turku’s historic harbour district.

Residential Building, Klaipèda, Lithuania

Architect: Plėtros garantas

Type: Residential building

Year: 2022

Product: Swisspearl Patina

Energy-efficient

Swisspearl’s ventilated façade system improves building performance by structurally separating insulation and weather protection. External moisture is kept out by durable façade panels, while diffusion-open wind barrier sheathing allow internal moisture to escape into the ventilated cavity. The result is improved energy efficiency and a healthier indoor climate all year round.

Durable and economical

Swisspearl façades provide long-term protection, comfort, and cost-efficiency. The fibre cement panels form a secure and resilient building envelope that maintains its performance and appearance for decades.

Low-maintenance and removable

The panels are highly resistant to weather, dirt, and mechanical stress, requiring no maintenance beyond periodic cleaning. Thanks to the system’s layered design, individual panels can be removed and replaced, supporting both flexibility and recyclability.

Ellebo, Ballerup

Denmark

Architect: Adam Khan Architects

Type: Residential building

Year: 2023

Product: Patina Original NXT P 070

Originally built in the 1960s, Ellebo has been modernised with a strong focus on sustainability and architectural quality. Fibre cement façade panels offered a durable, low-maintenance solution that made it possible to preserve the building’s structure rather than replace it. The project has received wide recognition, winning the Nordic Built Challenge and becoming a finalist for Denmark’s Renovérprisen (The Renovation Award)

Polaris, Höganäs Sweden

Architect: SWECO

Type: Residential building Year: 2009

Product: Planea Custom Colours

“The colourful fibre cement panels were a way to create something eye-catching and uplifting. I’m fairly certain there’s nothing else quite like it.”

The renovation of the Polaris housing block in Höganäs stands out as a bold and imaginative reinterpretation of Sweden’s Million Programme architecture.

Originally constructed in brick with white timber façades, the building was dramatically transformed through the addition of vibrant fibre cement panels in green, red, orange, and yellow. The result is a striking new visual identity that departs radically from the original design.

As part of the renovation, two additional storeys were added to the building, and the entire structure was externally insulated, bringing both architectural renewal and energy performance improvements.

This renovation not only enhanced the building’s aesthetic value but also demonstrated how thoughtful design and expressive material choices can redefine legacy housing stock for the future.

Dahlströmsgatan, Gothenburg, Sweden

Architect: N/A

Type: Residential building

Year: 2019

Product: Patina Original NXT P 343

Perched high on Godhemsberget in Gothenburg’s Majorna district, a residential block from 1959—home to nearly 250 apartments—has undergone a comprehensive façade renovation. With panoramic views stretching as far as the Vinga lighthouse on clear days, the exposed location and decades of weathering had taken a toll on the original brick exterior.

In response, a robust new façade solution was introduced. Where moisture had penetrated the old brickwork, damaged lintels were replaced, and the entire envelope was reinforced with a ventilated fibre cement cladding system. Patina Original NXT in a warm red tone was selected to complement the surrounding hillside and neighbourhood architecture.

As Oy Soukanmetsä, Espoo, Finland

Architect: Sustera Finland

Type: Residential building

Year: 2025

Product: Patina Original NXT P 222, P 626

As Oy Soukanmetsä is a 1971 apartment building in Espoo that has undergone a comprehensive façade renovation. The upgrade enhances the building’s energy performance while renewing its visual identity. The design combines technical improvements—better insulation and sealed thermal bridges to reduce energy use—with a timeless, contemporary appearance that complements the surrounding neighbourhood. The result is a durable, low-maintenance façade that respects the building’s 1970s character while meeting today’s standards, bringing improved comfort and a cohesive, refreshed look to the 96 apartments.

Residential building, Sindi, Estonia

Architect: Renee Mikomägi

Type: Residential building Year: 2022

Product: Patina Original NXT P 222, P 070

Efficient renovations with facade elements

A groundbreaking renovation method developed in Estonia is transforming how aging apartment buildings are updated faster, cleaner, and with significantly less disruption to residents. At the heart of this innovation are industrially prefabricated façade elements featuring Swisspearl fibre cement panels, which combine durability, style, and energy efficiency.

Traditional façade renovations can take up to six months, involving scaffolding, constant noise, dust, and major inconvenience to residents. In contrast, the new method—developed at Tallinn University of Technology and implemented by Estonian companies Fidele Oy, Mapri Ehitus Oy, and EstNor Oy—reduces on-site work to as little as one month, or even six weeks including the simultaneous renewal of heating and water systems.

Each apartment is affected for only one to two working days. The quick installation process and minimal disruption are major advantages over traditional renovations.

This design greatly improves the energy efficiency and living comfort of old buildings, especially the many Soviet-era apartment blocks still common in Estonia.

Unlike plastered façades, which require specific weather conditions and are prone to damage, the elements can be installed year-round, making it easier to schedule projects and find workers.

The apartment building in Sindi represents the first implementation of the prefabricated renovation method in Estonia, after which this approach has been adopted in multiple subsequent projects.

RENOVATION PROJECTS BY SWISSPEARL