Vertical extension; vertical expansion; rooftop expansion; roof stacking; upwardextension; additional f loor construction
Abstract :
[en] The rising need for urban densification due to population demands and housing shortages has resulted in heightened interest in vertical extension (VE) of buildings. This paper presents a systematic review of 119 peer-reviewed articles analyzing VE research trends. The research employs content analysis, network visualization, and co-occurrence analysis to identify important terminology and definitions, thematic emphasis, and methodological approaches utilized in VE studies across various temporal and spatial settings. The primary focus areas within the field are structural reinforcement, VE technologies, and suitability/impact considerations. Considering methodologies, the review demonstrates significant dependence on case studies and structural modeling to evaluate the feasibility and practical applicability. The study emphasizes the necessity for standardized VE taxonomy and recommends that future research should broaden its geographical scope to offer a thorough worldwide view on VE. The outcomes offer insights for urban planners, architects, policymakers, and academics, emphasizing key areas of attention and corresponding gaps.
Disciplines :
Architecture
Author, co-author :
Sanei, Mohsen; Luleå University of Technology
Khodadad, Mina; Luleå University of Technology
Ilgın, Hüseyin Emre; Tampere University
Attia, Shady ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département ArGEnCo > Techniques de construction des bâtiments
Rizzo, Agatino; Luleå University of Technology
Lau, Kevin; Luleå University of Technology
Language :
English
Title :
Vertical extension of buildings: a systematic literature review
Publication date :
26 June 2025
Journal title :
Architectural Science Review
ISSN :
0003-8628
eISSN :
1758-9622
Publisher :
Informa UK Limited
Pages :
1-15
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Development Goals :
11. Sustainable cities and communities 13. Climate action
Amer, M., and S., Attia. 2019a. “A Framework for Cost-Optimal Zero-Energy Lightweight Construction.” SIMAUD ‘19: Proceedings of the Symposium on Simulation for Architecture and Urban Design51 (8): 1–4.
Amer, M., and S., Attia. 2019b. “Identification of Sustainable Criteria for Decision-Making on Roof Stacking Construction Method.” Sustainable Cities and Society47: 101456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2019.101456.
Amer, M., M., Hamdy, T., Wortmann, A., Mustafa, and S., Attia. 2020. “Methodology for Design Decision Support of Cost-Optimal Zero-Energy Lightweight Construction.” Energy and Buildings223:110170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2020.110170.
Amer, M., W. A., Mahar, G., Ruellan, and S., Attia. 2019a. “Sensitivity Analysis of Glazing Parameters and Operational Schedules on Energy Consumption and Life Cycle Cost.” Building Simulation Conference Proceedings7:5022–5028.
Amer, M., A., Mustafa, and S., Attia. 2019b. “Conceptual Framework for Off-Site Roof Stacking Construction.” Journal of Building Engineering26:100873. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2019.100873.
Amer, M., A., Mustafa, J., Teller, S., Attia, and S., Reiter. 2017. “A Methodology to Determine the Potential of Urban Densification through Roof Stacking.” Sustainable Cities and Society35:677–691. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2017.09.021.
Amoruso, F. M., and T., Schuetze. 2022. “Hybrid Timber-Based Systems for Low-Carbon, Deep Renovation of Aged Buildings: Three Exemplary Buildings in the Republic of Korea.” Building and Environment214:108889. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.108889.
Argenziano, M., D., Faiella, F., Bruni, C., De Angelis, M., Fraldi, and E., Mele. 2021. “Upwards - Vertical Extensions of Masonry Built Heritage for Sustainable and Antifragile Urban Densification.” Journal of Building Engineering44:102885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102885.
Artés, J., G., Wadel, and N., Martí. 2017. “Vertical Extension and Improving of Existing Buildings.” The Open Construction and Building Technology Journal11 (1): 83–94. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874836801711010083.
Bertolazzi, A., M., Campagnola, G., Croatto, U., Turrini, and G., Santi. 2019. “Building Upward: Methodological Approach to Defining Criteria and Guidelines for Interventions for Italian Post-war Housing Refurbishment in a Seismic Area.” Journal of Architectural Engineering25 (2): 04019008. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)AE.1943-5568.0000352.
Bojić, M., M., Miletić, J., Malešević, and S., Djordjević. 2012. “Influence of Additional Storey Construction to Space Heating of a Residential Building.” Energy and Buildings54:511–518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2012.02.056.
Caballero-Rico, F., R. V., Roque-Hernández, R., de la Garza Cano, and E., Arvizu-Sánchez. 2022. “Challenges for the Integrated Management of Priority Areas for Conservation in Tamaulipas, México.” Sustainability14 (1): 494. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010494.
Cappai, F., D., Forgues, and M., Glaus. 2019. “A Methodological Approach for Evaluating Brownfield Redevelopment Projects.” Urban Science3 (2): 45. https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci3020045.
Cheng-Can, W., and H., Jin-Tae. 2017. “3D FEM Analysis on Load Distribution Behavior for Pile Foundation during Vertical Extension of Apartment Building.” Proceedings of ICSMGE 2017 - 19th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering 2017-September. 1929–1932.
Cherkas, A., and V., Rimshin. 2017. “Application of Composite Reinforcement for Modernization of Buildings and Structures.” MATEC Web of Conferences117:00027. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201711700027.
Choi, C., J., Kim, and J., Cho. 2020. A Study for the Vertical Stiffness of Preboring Precast Concrete Pile from Field Load Tests.Taipei, Taiwan: Asian Regional Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering.
Daher, E., S., Kubicki, and A., Marvuglia. 2023. “A Digital Collaborative Framework for Evaluating the Environmental Impacts and the Potential of Vertical Building Extensions.” Proceedings of the International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe2:165–174.
da Silva, J. M. C., and E., Wheeler. 2017. “Ecosystems as Infrastructure.” Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation15 (1): 32–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pecon.2016.11.005.
Dind, A., S., Lufkin, and E., Rey. 2017. “WORKING SPACE - an Innovative Modular Timber Construction System for the Sustainable Vertical Extension of Office Buildings.” Proceedings of 33rd PLEA International Conference: Design to Thrive, PLEA 20171:1495–1501.
Dind, A., S., Lufkin, and E., Rey. 2018. “A Modular Timber Construction System for the Sustainable Vertical Extension of Office Buildings.” Designs2 (3): 30–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/designs2030030.
Dutta, A., J. F., Sumnicht, R. L., Mayes, R. O., Hamburger, and A., Citipitioglu. 2009. “An Innovative Application of Base Isolation Technology.” Proceedings of the 2009 ATC and SEI Conference on Improving the Seismic Performance of Existing Buildings and Other Structures. 841–854.
Esposito, F., D., Faiella, and E., Mele. 2024. “A Diagram-Based Design Procedure for Intermediate Isolation System in Existing Buildings with Inelastic Behavior.” Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics53 (4): 1492–1508. https://doi.org/10.1002/eqe.4079.
Faiella, D., M., Argenziano, F., Esposito, G., Brandonisio, M., Fraldi, and E., Mele. 2023. “Effectiveness of Isolated Vertical Extension of Masonry Buildings as Nonconventional TMD.” Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering165:107675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2022.107675.
Floerke, P., S., WeiB, L., Stein, and M., Wagner. 2014. Typologienkatalog - Gebaudeaufstockungen (Catalogue of Typologies - Rooftop Extensions). Dusseldorf: Bauforumstahl.
Franzosi, R., 2008. “Content Analysis: Objective, Systematic, and Quantitative Description of Content.” Content Analysis1 (1): 21–49.
Gephi. 2022 “The Open Graph Viz Platform.” Accessed May 25, 2024. https://gephi.org/.
Gillott, C., B., Davison, and D., Densley Tingley. 2022a. “Drivers, Barriers and Enablers: Construction Sector Views on Vertical Extensions.” Building Research & Information50 (8): 909–923. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2022.2087173.
Gillott, C., J. B., Davison, and D., Densley Tingley. 2022b. “The Potential of Vertical Extension at the City Scale.” IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science1078 (1): 012079. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1078/1/012079.
González-Redondo, E., 2022. “Adding New Floors to Old Timber-Framed Buildings: An Assessment of Demolished and Preserved Courtyard Houses in the Historic Centre of Madrid.” Frontiers of Architectural Research11 (2): 255–277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2021.10.009.
Guma, A., J., Pearson, K., Wittels, R., Neufville, and D., Geltner. 2009. “Vertical Phasing as a Corporate Real Estate Strategy and Development Option.” Journal of Corporate Real Estate11 (3): 144–157. https://doi.org/10.1108/14630010910985904.
Guo, W., S., Liu, J., Liu, and R., Zhang. 2012. “Analysis of Using Interlayer Seismic Isolation Technology in Storey-Adding Structure.” Advanced Materials Research594-597:1702–1706. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.594-597.1702.
Hecker, J., 2015. “Quantitative Research.” Accessed September 13, 2024. https://atlasti.com/research-hub/quantitative-software
Jaśniok, M., and T., Jaśniok. 2020. “Analysis of Causes of Cracks and Corrosion of Reinforced Concrete Walls and Balcony Slabs in a Multi-storey Building with an Upward Extension.” Ochrona Przed Korozja63 (3): 72–77. https://doi.org/10.15199/40.2020.3.2.
Julistiono, E. K., P., Oldfield, and L., Cardellicchio. 2023a. “Up on the Roof: A Review of Design, Construction, and Technology Trends in Vertical Extensions.” Architectural Science Review67 (1): 63–77. https://doi.org/10.1080/00038628.2023.2240289.
Julistiono, E. K., P., Oldfield, and L., Cardellicchio. 2023b. “Vertical Extensions: Stakeholder Perspectives on Development Decisions and Construction Strategies.” Journal of Architectural Engineering29 (2): 04023010. https://doi.org/10.1061/JAEIED.AEENG-1474.
Kahraman, S., A., Saatci, and S., Misir. 2006. “Effects of Adding Illegal Storeys to Structural Systems.” Sadhana - Academy Proceedings in Engineering Sciences31 (5): 515–526. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02715910.
Kalpokaite, N., and I., Radivojevic. 2016. “Using Atlas.Ti to Facilitate the Literature Review: Proposing a New Practice-Based Framework.” EDULEARN16 Proceedings. 6489–6498.
Karjalainen, M., H. E., Ilgın, L., Metsäranta, and M., Norvasuo. 2021a. “Residents’ Attitudes towards Wooden Facade Renovation and Additional Floor Construction in Finland.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health18 (23): 12316. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312316.
Karjalainen, M., H. E., Ilgın, and D., Somelar. 2021b. “Wooden Additional Floors in Old Apartment Buildings: Perspectives of Housing and Real Estate Companies from Finland.” Buildings11 (8): 316. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11080316.
Khodadad, M., I., Aguilar-Barajas, L. E., Cárdenas-Barrón, A. I., Ramírez-Orozco, M., Sanei, and A. Z., Khan. 2024. “Addressing Local Water Security through Green Infrastructure Implementation: A Review of Urban Plans in Monterrey, Mexico, and Brussels, Belgium.” Water16 (5): 727. https://doi.org/10.3390/w16050727.
Khodadad, M., I., Aguilar-Barajas, and A. Z., Khan. 2023. “Green Infrastructure for Urban Flood Resilience: A Review of Recent Literature on Bibliometrics, Methodologies, and Typologies.” Water15 (3): 523. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15030523.
Khodadad, M., S. M. M., Nadoshan, S., Khodadad, and M., Sanei. 2018. “Operative Guidelines for Sustainable Designing of Child-Oriented Architectural Spaces.” Journal of Civil Engineering and Urbanism8 (1): 6–11.
Khodadad, M., and M., Sanei. 2016. “Suggested Solutions to Improve Security in Urban Environment with an Approach of Sustainable Development". In Proceedings of the 4th International Congress on Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urban Development. Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, 27–29 December.
Kim, D., J., Kim, and S., Jeong. 2019. “Estimation of Axial Stiffness on Existing and Reinforcing Piles in Vertical Extension Remodeled Buildings.” Engineering Structures199:109466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.109466.
Mendonça, P., M., Macieira, and J. M., Guedes. 2020. “Energy Performance of Vertical Extensions on Old Buildings: Comparison between Architectural Membranes and Conventional Building Technologies.” International Journal of Environmental Science and Development11 (8): 390–400. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijesd.2020.11.8.1280.
Moshood, T. D., G., Nawanir, and F., Mahmud. 2022. “Sustainability of Biodegradable Plastics: A Review on Social, Economic, and Environmental Factors.” Critical Reviews in Biotechnology42 (6): 892–912. https://doi.org/10.1080/07388551.2021.1973954.
Mouratidis, K., 2019. “Compact City, Urban Sprawl, and Subjective Well-Being.” Cities92:261–272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2019.04.013.
Mun, J., J. S., Lee, and S., Kim. 2024. “Effects of Urban Sprawl on Regional Disparity and Quality of Life: A Case of South Korea.” Cities151:105125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2024.105125.
Napieralska, Z., and S., Attia. 2023. “Building Vertical Extensions and Increasing Housing Stock in Cities: Review of Selected European Research.” Teka Komisji Urbanistyki I Architektury51:321–338. https://doi.org/10.24425/tkuia.2023.148981.
Ness, D., 2023. “Growth in Floor Area: The Blind Spot in Cutting Carbon.” Emerald Open Research1 (5): 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1108/EOR-05-2023-0002.
Newby, P., 2014. Research Methods for Education. 2nd ed. New York: Taylor & Francis.
Norell, M., L., Stehn, and D., Engström. 2020. “Architectural Design of Vertical Extensions of Buildings: A Risk Perspective on Complexity.” ARCOM 2020–Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 36th Annual Conference 2020–Proceedings. 625–634.
Oldfield, P., 2019. The Sustainable Tall Building: A Design Primer. 1st ed. London: Routledge.
Resch, E., R. A., Bohne, T., Kvamsdal, and J., Lohne. 2016. “Impact of Urban Density and Building Height on Energy use in Cities.” Energy Procedia96:800–814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2016.09.142.
Sanei, M., 2022. “The Comparative Analysis of the Scoring System Used in BREEAM International New Construction 2016 and the Recent Trends in Housing Sustainability-Related Literature.” Prostor30 (1(63)): 106–125. https://doi.org/10.31522/p.30.1(63).10.
Sanei, M., M., Khodadad, and F., Calonge Reillo. 2022a. “Analyzing LEED Scoring System Based on the Priorities in Urban Housing Sustainability Literature.” Urbanism Architecture Constructions13 (2): 151–164.
Sanei, M., M., Khodadad, and F., Calonge Reillo. 2022b. “The Most Influential Factors on Urban Housing Sustainability Based on a Comprehensive Review of the Recent Literature.” Figshare. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.20477112.v2.
Sanei, M., M., Khodadad, and F., Calonge Reillo. 2023. “Identifying the Most Significant Factors Affecting Urban Housing Sustainability and Their Scales/Sectors of Influence: A Systematic Review of the Recent Literature.” In Advances in Environmental Sustainability. ICOAER 2022, edited by James T., Anderson, 89–105. Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Schmidt, M., R. H., Crawford, and G., Warren-Myers. 2020. “Quantifying Australia’s Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions for New Homes.” Energy and Buildings224:110287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2020.110287.
Schreier, M., 2014. “Qualitative Content Analysis.” In The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Data Analysis, edited by U., Flick, 170–183. London: Sage Publications.
Seo, S., B., Lee, and J., Won. 2020. “Comparative Analysis of Economic Impacts of Sustainable Vertical Extension Methods for Existing Underground Spaces.” Sustainability12 (3): 975. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12030975.
Shala, A., and J., Bleiziffer. 2024. “Seismic Performance of Reinforced Concrete Frames with Added Floors: Emphasizing the Influence of Structural Joints in the Context of Sustainable Vertical Extensions.” Buildings14 (2): 370. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020370.
Soikkeli, A., 2016. “Additional Floors in Old Apartment Blocks.” Energy Procedia96:815–823. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2016.09.143.
Soikkeli, A., H. E., Ilgın, and M., Karjalainen. 2022. “Wooden Additional Floor in Finland.” Encyclopedia2:578–592. https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia2010038.
Sundling, R., 2019. “A Development Process for Extending Buildings Vertically–Based on a Case Study of Four Extended Buildings.” Construction Innovation19 (3): 367–385. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-05-2018-0040.
Sundling, R., Å, Blomsterberg, and A., Landin. 2019. “Enabling Energy-Efficient Renovation: The Case of Vertical Extension to Buildings.” Construction Innovation19 (1): 2–14. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-04-2018-0034.
Thornton, C. H., U., Hungspruke, and R. P., DeScenza. 1991. “Vertical Expansion of Vintage Buildings.” Modern Steel Construction31 (6): 35–37.
UN. 2017. New Urban Agenda. New York: UN-HABITAT.
UN. 2019. World Urbanization Prospects: The 2018 Revision. New York: Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Vuckovic, M., W., Loibl, T., Tötzer, and R., Stollnberger. 2019. “Potential of Urban Densification to Mitigate the Effects of Heat Island in Vienna, Austria.” Environments6 (7): 82. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments6070082.
Wang, C., and J.-, Han. 2021. “Effect of Preloaded Micropile on the Foundation Underpinning by Centrifuge Experiments.” Géotechnique Letters11 (1): 10–15. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgele.20.00016.
Wang, C. C., Y. E., Jang, S. J., Kim, and J. T., Han. 2019. “Effect of Waveform Mircopile on Foundation Underpinning during Building Remodeling with Vertical Extension.” In Sustainable Design and Construction for Geomaterials and Geostructures, Sustainable Civil Infrastructures, edited by B., Fatahi, A., Mwanza, and D. T., Chang, 120–131. Cham, Switzerland: Springer Science and Business Media B.V.
Wijnants, L., K., Allacker, and F., de Troyer. 2017. “Life Cycle Assessment of Prefabricated Timber Frame ‘Open-Renovation-Systems’ for Rooftop Extensions.” Proceedings of 33rd PLEA International Conference: Design to Thrive, PLEA 20171:1612–1619.
Woods, M., T., Paulus, D. P., Atkins, and R., Macklin. 2016. “Advancing Qualitative Research Using Qualitative Data Analysis Software (QDAS)? Reviewing Potential versus Practice in Published Studies Using ATLAS.Ti and NVivo, 1994–2013.” Social Science Computer Review34 (5): 597–617. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439315596311.