On the very small plot of land with a special designation as a garden settlement area, the building was constructed along the northern property line. The building takes advantage of the gentle southern slope, opening itself to the sun with extensive glazing for direct solar utilization and a conservatory for insulated and indirect passive solar heating. The building mass, constructed using brick and concrete, serves as a heat storage element. The southern side is designed with terraces at various levels, while the northern side is partially embedded into the terrain.
The sustainability features of this building include:
- Solar Thermal Collectors: Solar thermal panels integrated into the conservatory glazing and the conservatory roof harness solar energy to provide hot water.
- Thermal Mass: The building’s construction materials, such as brick and concrete, act as thermal mass, absorbing and releasing heat to help regulate indoor temperatures.
- Passive Solar Design: The design prioritizes the use of natural sunlight and heat, with large windows on the south side for direct solar gain and a conservatory for indirect solar heat.
- Terraced South Side: The stepped terraces on the southern side maximize sun exposure and outdoor living spaces.
- Controlled Ventilation: The building is equipped with controlled ventilation, including heat recovery, to maintain good indoor air quality while minimizing energy loss.
- Earth-Air Heat Exchanger: An earth-air heat exchanger further enhances energy efficiency by pre-conditioning the incoming fresh air.
- Photovoltaic Panels: Photovoltaic panels integrated into the building’s facade generate electricity from sunlight.
- Biomass Heating: Biomass heating is used to provide the remaining heat requirements, ensuring that the building is heated sustainably.
This design showcases a comprehensive approach to sustainable and energy-efficient living in a small, constrained space, effectively utilizing passive and active solar systems, efficient insulation, and renewable energy sources to minimize environmental impact and maximize energy efficiency.
