Pilot sites

The LEGOFIT pilot sites guarantee the variety (referred to different geographical areas with relevant market maturity scenarios, social conditions, financial availabilities, types of buildings and building life status) and scalability (linked to representativeness of the selected buildings in the local context) to ensure a high potential of applicability of LEGOFIT process in the EU.

  • The demo site is Dormitory 6 at Ozyegin University (Istanbul), built in 2017. It consists of 5 interconnected structures including dormitories, a social center, lodging, and a guest house. The total construction area is 44,500 sqm on 17,910 sqm of sloping land. The dorms have various room configurations, shared kitchens, and study areas. The building has a plain architectural style with exposed concrete and color elements inside and out. Its energy performance is rated as B, representing high efficiency in Turkey’s context. The calculated annual heat loss is 1,066,892 kWh, showing good thermal insulation. The building primarily uses natural gas for heating, with boilers, accumulation tanks, and efficient combustion. It has a water softener system, LED lighting, appliances, and 8 elevators.

    Main objectives:

    • Deployment of energy management system and utilisation of passive energy interventions to minimise heating loads,
    • Solar energy utilisation (on roof and other feasible locations) to facilitate energy production capability of the building that is also assisted with electric storage system for improving quality and reliability of electric system
    • E-charge station to reduce transportation related carbon footprint of occupants,
    • Program to monitor and understand occupant’s energy related behaviours as well as to encourage for energy efficient living

  • The demo site consists of 24 single-family houses with PV-equipped carports for energy production. Each house will have photovoltaic installations and salt-water battery energy storage. Energy production will be managed in a virtual community, allowing shared consumption and EV charging. Heat pumps and greywater heat recovery will cover heating, cooling, and water needs. Circular economy principles will guide construction using monoblocks and dismountable designs. Low VOC materials will be used for indoor air quality, and sensors will monitor energy, water, and indoor pollution levels. Greywater recovery will supply toilets. Administrative authorizations are secured, with infrastructure starting in late 2022 and completion by the end of 2024. The project aligns with Luxembourg’s sustainable building certification, LENOZ.

    Main objectives:

    • Provide feedback on the technologies implementation (passive and active)
    • Enable quantitative impact measurement (by deploying a Post-Occupancy Evaluation approach based on additional performance measurements (sensors) and running interviews and questionnaires with occupants), thus contributing to improve LEGOFIT design process.

  • The residential area in Pécs, located south of the city center, comprises 5-10 storey prefabricated buildings constructed between the 1970s and 1990s. It is a significant housing estate with about 50,000 residents. The pilot site, built in 1985, includes 100 flats, services, shops, and garages. The building lacks proper thermal insulation, with outdated windows and doors. Heating and hot water are provided by the local district heating company using renewable biomass fuel. The building is connected to utilities and sewage systems. Despite lacking renewable energy technology on-site, the district heating company supplies the majority of heating needs with renewable energy sources. Individual heat meters are not currently installed in the apartments, but their water and electricity consumption is metered individually in the apartments.

    One of the two wings of the building will be renovated (approximately 2400m2).

    Main objectives:

    • Improvement of the thermal envelope to minimise heat loads
    • Provision of individual thermal controls for each apartment
    • Maximising the renewable energy production on site

  • The demo site is Waterviolier, a residential complex under construction in Nuenen-West, comprising 17 energy-efficient dwellings including semi-detached, corner, and terraced houses. Construction started in May 2024 and spans an area of approximately 1 hectare. The homes are designed to meet and exceed Dutch BENG regulations, aiming for energy-neutral or energy-positive performance. Located in a green suburban area, the buildings include features such as solar PV panels, home batteries, ground-source heat pumps, and EV chargers. The site integrates a Home Energy Management System (HEMS), enabling high self-consumption and smart grid interaction. Estimated annual solar production is 90,988 kWh, with 75% self-consumption, and a projected CO₂ reduction of 19.28 tonnes per year. Additional sustainability measures include sedum roofs, rainwater disconnection, and recyclable materials

    Main objectives:

    • Deployment of a smart Home Energy Management System (HEMS) and integration into a digital twin platform to monitor, predict, and optimize energy use throughout the building lifecycle.
    • Installation of renewable energy generation systems (solar PV on rooftops and carports) with storage and bidirectional EV charging to maximize local consumption and reduce grid stress.
    • Establishment of a Local Energy Community (LEC) to enhance collective energy performance, enable peer-to-peer energy exchange, and improve grid resilience.
    • Behavioural engagement program (including gamification) to monitor, influence, and promote energy-efficient lifestyles among residents.
    • Evaluation of energy flexibility options including demand response, storage, curtailment, and import/export strategies to ensure cost-effective, reliable, and low-carbon energy supply.