The project AlpHouse strives to enhance the competitiveness of regional SMEs by providing them with the knowledge, skills and tools for top-quality renovations of Alpine old buildings. These shall meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and at the same time preserve the regional characteristics and the endogenous wisdom of Alpine architecture. To this end, AlpHouse will develop and implement a comprehensive program of qualification modules and a web based information platform, both based on an analysis of the currently available knowledge on energy technology and regional Alpine architecture. The project addresses the target groups craft enterprises, architects/planners and policy makers. There is a special focus on practical instruction (e.g. on pilot construction sites), on tools for decision makers and on high visibility to the public. In result the rate and quality of renovations shall be raised, thereby increasing the attractiveness of the Alpine Space.

During the first half of 2010, agreements have been found on the methodology of the analysis - on top-quality renovation and combining traditional Alpine architecture with newest energy technologies - and on the resulting work flow. Fundamentals of the didactic approach have been formulated. The analysis has started by selecting and contacting pilot regions and communities and by commencing the field work there. In parralel a broad consensus have been developed in all regions involved on the aims and procedures of the analysis. As the conception of qualification modules is widely dependent on the outcomes of the first phase, there have only been first activities to define the overall approach and to formulate demands for the analysis. The project management is exerted on a regular basis, based on the regulations on agreed on at the kick-off meeting. First publicity activities have started (press releases, press and radio appearances, preparation of homepage and flyer).

1. Definition of a consensual strategy for concerted action. The results were laid down in a draft of “Guidelines for Analysis of Building Types”. These describe the methodology of the ongoing analysis; they were consented with the set-up of geographical guidelines and with: 2. The set-up of a qualification module catalogue and a didactic framework, laid down in the paper “The role of didactics in educational planning”. 3. Selection, contacting and successfully winning the cooperation of Pilot Regions and Pilot Communities. 4. First activities in dissemination (finding cooperation partners) and public relations (first press releases and media appearances). The project folder and homepage were also widely prepared in this phase. 5. Internal processes of the project partners, mainly assigning tasks to staff members, contracting external experts, and establishing the first level control. 6. Consolidating the consortium.

The project brochure and homepage will be printed/put online in all project languages. Meetings will show first results of the analysis regarding architecture, geography, and energy, and will produce a catalogue of qualification modules to be conceptualized in the next reporting period. A public event in Salzburg, the ongoing work in all pilot regions and ample contact with stakeholders will provide public attention. The Swiss contribution by Haus Ballenberg will be defined.