Building Services Concept

The building services of an active solar house comprise solarthermics, photovoltaics, heat pumps, geothermal heat exchangers, controlled ventilation systems, and floor heating. Rainwater from a cistern is used for watering the garden and for flushing the toilet. A compact EIB-controlled building service system regulates the passive use of solar energy from the south and west in winter and automatically shades the southern surface of the glass during the summer. In order to avoid making the system overly technical and to make it possible for the homeowner to choose a more conventional lifestyle, it is always an option to turn off the automatic regulation system. The mechanical cross ventilation from the lower level to the roof ensures optimal air exchange and provides for your well-being.

55m2 of photovoltaic modules and 35m2 of solar thermal collectors are mounted on the roof for energy and heat production, respectively, and are connected to the SOLAR COMPLEET™ complete heating system from SONNENKRAFT GmbH. The solarthermically run air/water heat pump in the basement is the core of energy for the house—a small self-sustaining thermal power plant. The 2.20m high pump and the 1000-liter central reservoir are as quiet as a whisper, but provide the whole house with a nonstop supply of hot water, heating, and cooling. SOLAR COMPLEET™ combines the heat pump technology from Danfoss with the solar technology from SONNENKRAFT and regulates the entire heating system with only one controller. The large reservoir ensures maximal utilization of the sun’s energy. The excess solar energy is transferred to the evaporator on the external unit—the homeowners can go on vacation without worrying about anything because the system regulates itself. The external unit is placed behind the garage, and transports energy from the outside air to the heat pump in the house—even in winter when the temperatures are below freezing.

• Single-family house
• Living space: 175m2
• Meets the expected building standards of 2020
• Rate of energy consumption is comparable to that of a passive house
• Use of products that are currently on the market
• Harmonious integration of technology in the building
• A house that is worth living in
• Open and friendly design