Topping up: building on what is already there is the key to building faster and more sustainably

Topping up: building on what is already there

There is little space in our cities, while the demand for housing continues to grow. By topping up — installing new floors on existing buildings — we make smart use of what is already there. We are adding homes without using new land. At the same time, we make buildings more sustainable and extend their lifespan.

What does the ABN AMRO report say?

The report The promise of topping out by ABN AMRO shows that topping up offers a great opportunity: up to 100,000 additional homes could be added by 2030. And that with far fewer CO₂ emissions than ordinary new buildings.
Nevertheless, practice lags behind. Permits cost time and money, and projects are often complicated. Here, experience and knowledge help to take steps.

Our experience with summits

Urban Climate Architects is an expert in summits. We have already designed and executed several projects. A good example is the Pikeursbaan in Deventer. There, we added new floors and made the entire building more sustainable.
We used wood and biobased materials and worked prefab as much as possible. This is how we provide affordable, sustainable and future-proof homes.

More than technology

Topping is not just a building solution. It's also about quality of living:

· better insulation

· more light and space

· a mix of different residents

· more support for nearby facilities

This is how we make the city greener, healthier and more livable.

Working together on the promise of success

We work with housing associations, municipalities and developers to make summits really possible. In this way, we contribute to solving the housing shortage and make cities Paris Proof and future-proof.

The full ABN AMRO report can be read here.