Jena, July 1, 2026 – The pioneering model project „Smartes Quartier“ in Jena-Lobeda has been awarded the prestigious DW-Zukunftspreis der Immobilienwirtschaft 2026. This coveted national award recognizes innovative concepts that combine affordable living with state-of-the-art technology and climate protection.
- Event: Presentation of the DW-Zukunftspreis der Immobilienwirtschaft 2026
- Award Winner: Smartes Quartier Jena-Lobeda
- Scope of Renovation: 250 apartments in three WBS70 buildings
- Benefits: Up to 30 % less heat consumption & digital health services
Nationwide Signal Effect for the Housing Industry
Winning the DW-Zukunftspreis underscores the outstanding significance of the project far beyond the borders of Thüringen. With this award, Jena positions itself nationwide as an innovative pioneer for the future of urban living in existing buildings. The project proves that the modernization of traditional prefabricated buildings of the WBS70 series can be designed not only as ecologically necessary but also as socially compatible. Despite the high degree of innovation, half of the renovated apartments remain rent-controlled, thereby securing affordable living space.
Energy-Efficient Renovation and Digital Prevention as Core Benefits
The jury was particularly impressed by the successful combination of profound energy-efficient renovation and forward-looking digital services that bring tangible everyday benefits to residents:
- Efficient Energy Savings: Through the combination of modern insulation and intelligent, app-controlled heating regulation, heat consumption in the district fell by up to 30 percent, according to scientific studies by the Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau.
- Digital Health Services: A telemedicine room integrated into the district enables virtual doctor consultations directly on-site. The offer is supplemented by low-barrier health apartments and a digital neighborhood network for everyday district life.
Through this close integration of age-appropriate infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology, elderly people and those in need of care are enabled to live a long, self-determined life in their own four walls.
The award follows a successful week for the flagship project: only on Monday was the Smartes Quartier also nominated for the prestigious Stadtwerke Award 2026. While the smart flagship project makes positive headlines, there is unfortunately also vandalism to be lamented in the same district. For instance, a staircase in Lobeda-West was recently intentionally damaged, which is why the police are looking for witnesses.
🏛️ History & Buildings: The Transformation of WBS70 Prefabricated Buildings
The Wohnungsbauserie 70 (WBS70) was the most widespread type of prefabricated building in the GDR and significantly shaped the face of Jena-Lobeda from the 1970s onwards. The „Smartes Quartier“ impressively demonstrates how these standardized large housing estates can be revitalized through innovative concepts. Due to its modular structure, the Jena model is considered highly transferable to other East German cities with similar building stock.
Source:
Smartes Quartier Lobeda wins Future Prize
Transparency Note: This article was automatically created, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.