(Gemini Audio)
(de-news.net) – Germany has announced plans to introduce the so‑called Building Type E, a concept designed to simplify construction processes, accelerate project timelines, and reduce overall costs. The approach seeks to achieve these goals without compromising safety, primarily by eliminating a range of building standards that are not legally required. The framework for this initiative is set out in a joint policy paper prepared by the Federal Ministry of Justice together with the Federal Ministry for Housing.
The Justice Ministry underscored that Building Type E is intended to function simultaneously as a construction accelerator and a mechanism for cost control. Current practice in Germany often insists on the highest technical standards, even when simpler solutions would suffice. This tendency contributes to rising costs and delays. The new contractual model would allow contracting parties to agree upon reduced specifications in a legally secure manner, thereby enabling substantial savings. In a period marked by a shortage of affordable housing, the government argued that such an instrument could make residential construction more accessible. The initiative is expected to support private homeowners in realizing their aspirations for property ownership, while also easing pressure on the rental market by encouraging the development of new housing stock.
The Housing Ministry emphasized that innovative methods are essential if affordable housing is to be delivered at scale. Building Type E is conceived as a departure from unnecessary features that inflate costs, focusing instead on compact floor plans, durable materials, and serial construction techniques. Pilot projects have already demonstrated the viability of simplified ventilation systems, lighter wall structures, and streamlined building designs. Officials stressed that these measures would enhance flexibility and efficiency in planning and construction, while ensuring that the quality of housing remains intact.
At present, construction law requires adherence to extensive technical norms unless deviations are explicitly agreed upon. This often results in projects that exceed actual needs, leading to over‑engineering and higher costs. Building Type E seeks to counteract this by permitting savings in areas where additional standards, such as triple glazing or redundant heating elements, are not essential. The model embodies demand‑oriented construction, prioritizing efficiency and affordability without diminishing living standards. Importantly, it is designed to be applicable both to new buildings and to the adaptation of existing ones.
The policy paper identifies two central measures. First, it proposes the creation of a legally secure Building Type E contract, linked to state technical regulations but allowing simplified standards where no binding rules exist. This contract would ensure that deviations from recognized technical norms are not automatically classified as defects, while maintaining consumer protection. Second, the paper calls for the practical establishment of Building Type E through the dissemination of pilot project findings, the preparation of best‑practice collections, and the provision of model contracts. The next stage will involve structured consultations with Federal States, professional associations, and expert groups. On the basis of these discussions, draft legislation will be prepared to formally anchor the Building Type E contract within German construction law, thereby paving the way for its widespread adoption.
