June 17, 2025, 5:00 am | Read time: 5 minutes
In a hybrid house, various building materials, technologies, and design approaches are often combined. MyHOMEBOOK author Daniela Matsuzaki explains the concept behind it.
To reduce the ecological footprint, hybrid construction typically uses natural building materials like wood or recycled materials. By using at least two energy sources and good thermal insulation, this construction method is also compared to an energy-saving house.
Overview
Sustainable Building with a Hybrid Style
The hybrid building style is diverse and often aligns with sustainable construction methods. The style is also flexible and adaptable. Climate can play a role in certain regions, making it sensible to prioritize other building materials. If energy-efficient systems are a priority, the focus will be more on renewable energies during construction.
Some builders are now interested in alternative building materials and are actively seeking new ways to integrate them. Regardless of the ultimate goal, hybrid construction is always about finding the best solutions to be more comfortable, economical, and sustainable.
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Save Construction Costs and Shorten Build Time
In a hybrid house, building materials are used more consciously for specific areas to plan more efficiently and cost-effectively. For example, using suitable materials like wood or steel for load-bearing structures can reduce waste.
For instance, load-bearing exterior walls are constructed with concrete or wood, and interiors are equipped with partially non-load-bearing, prefabricated wood stud walls. The machine production of components results in less waste, minimizing waste production. If residues remain, they can be more easily recycled in the factory.
Combinations of Hybrid Construction
Wood-Massive Construction with Concrete
The wood-massive construction method is often used in building single-family homes, as it aims to utilize the advantages of both materials. Foundations, basements, and intermediate floors are often made of concrete, providing a solid base and protecting the house from moisture.
In the upper floor, the load-bearing wood-massive structures provide stability and a pleasant indoor climate. The load-bearing interior walls and floors made of concrete can improve sound insulation between rooms and counteract overheating. Often, the exterior walls are thinner wood, providing good insulation and more space in the house.
Construction with Wood and Glass
Combining wood and glass can create hybrid houses with large glass surfaces and a stable and flexible structure through the wood construction. These houses are often designed with an open floor plan, enhanced by glass facades that create a seamless transition to the outside.
Additionally, a fully glazed south side can harness the full power of sunlight. A clear example is conservatories, which can provide a pleasant indoor climate, especially in winter.
Wood-Steel Construction in Modular Building
In steel modular construction, no load-bearing interior and exterior walls are needed. Loads are carried by vertical and narrow steel supports, allowing for more flexible floor plans and room sizes.
In steel modular construction, wood can be used for both interior and exterior, similar to wood modular construction. Facades can be designed with plaster or metal.
This construction method is highly adaptable. By combining steel and natural building materials like wood, a durable and sustainable building can be created.
Recycled Materials
The use of recycled materials enables more sustainable construction. Reusable building materials are particularly well-suited for hybrid construction because they can reduce the ecological footprint. Additionally, they allow for more creative and varied house designs, enabling innovative projects. For example, using recycled materials like plastic, steel, or glass can yield interesting results and significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to new materials.
Funding Programs for a Hybrid House
Grants for homeownership are always available when aiming to save energy–even for new construction. If you want to build a hybrid house with multiple building materials and renewable energies, you can benefit from funding for climate-friendly new buildings at KfW. This includes the KfW Efficiency House funding, which offers low-interest loans and grants under certain conditions.
The KfW programs 270 for a hybrid house are also noteworthy, as they support the use of renewable energies like solar energy, solar thermal energy, and biomass.
The BAFA, the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control, also offers grants for the use of renewable energies for heat generation and energy-efficient building renovations.
At the BEG, you can receive grants for the construction and renovation of residential buildings to efficiency houses, including individual measures like window replacement, thermal insulation, and heating renewal.
Additionally, many municipalities offer funding for a hybrid house for efficient building and renovation.
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Observe Building Regulations
In Germany, specific building regulations and rules apply to the construction of hybrid houses, just like any other construction project. Since various building materials are used in such a project, it is important to check fire protection, structural integrity, and energy efficiency.
It’s best to work with an architect familiar with the regulations of the specific federal state. This ensures that the requirements are met. Often, a detailed fire protection concept must be presented when using wood. Additionally, checking the structural integrity is particularly important for hybrid buildings.