January 2023

Digital: Bavaria tests digital twins 

The Free State of Bavaria wants to become a modern digital state with the help of so-called "digital twins". A "digital twin" is the mapping of an object from the real world into the virtual world. The aim is to simulate various processes with the help of digital twins. These can be situations from road traffic, for example. With the help of the...

Ruling: BGH decides on burden of proof 

A case in which a bunch of grapes played a decisive role has now made it to the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) (VI ZR 1283/20). In November 2018, a customer wanted to go shopping in a furniture store in Kiel. She slipped on a bunch of grapes lying on the floor, fell and suffered such serious injuries that she ultimately had to have a hip endoprosthesis implanted...

Upholstered furniture: according to the VDM, this is currently in 

Modular concepts are currently the trend in upholstered furniture. The Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM) points this out. The furniture is particularly flexible. For example, elements can be rearranged and redesigned. This is possible, for example, with sofas with several movable elements, chairs with interchangeable legs or sofas that can be...

Sustainability index: Wolfsburg, Ulm and Heidelberg at the top 

Wolfsburg, Ulm and Heidelberg are considered the most sustainable cities in Germany. This is according to a sustainability index compiled by the Cologne Institute for Economic Research (IW) on behalf of ImmoScout24 and Wirtschaftswoche. The index analyzed the economic, ecological and social sustainability of over 70 independent cities in Germany. Various factors were taken into...

Construction industry: associations call for improvements 

Improvements to the framework conditions for new construction, special depreciation for affordable rental apartments in tight housing markets and more incentives for home ownership - this is what the German Building Materials Association, the Federation of the German Construction Industry, the Central Association of the German Construction Industry (ZDB) and the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts call for in their position paper...

Climate protection: Ten municipalities honored 

Ten municipalities that are particularly committed to climate protection have each received prize money of 25,000 euros in the "Climate Active Municipality 2022" competition. In the "Resources and Energy Efficiency" category, the town of Mindelheim was recognized for the energy-efficient renovation of the Maria Theresa outdoor pool, the district of Viersen for the climate-friendly construction of the new central district archive and the...

Ruling: Landlord must continue tenancy if tenant is suicidal 

If the eviction of a mentally ill tenant would lead to suicidal intent, the landlord must continue the tenancy for an indefinite period. This has now been decided by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH; case reference: VIII ZR 390/21). In this case, an owner wanted to terminate his tenant's lease on the grounds of personal use in order to combine two apartments for himself and his partner and thus prevent him from...

Kitchens: AMK reveals trends 

The working group 'Die Moderne Küche' (AMK) recently revealed which kitchens will be on trend in 2023. When it comes to wood, the focus will be on oak and walnut as well as ash and walnut. In terms of colors, many combinations are possible. In addition to earth, sand and cream-colored elements, the shades "reed" and "sage" can also be used. Especially in...

Private rental: special challenge due to energy crisis 

The energy crisis poses particular challenges for private landlords. This is the view of "Haus & Grund", the central association of German house, apartment and property owners. "Our members tell us that they want to continue on the path away from fossil fuels and towards less energy consumption, but are increasingly coming up against hurdles," says Haus & Grund President Kai...

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