Passive House Design

Roberto Gonzalo Rainer Vallentin Planning and design of energy-efficient buildings

Passive House Design ∂ Green Books

Imprint

Authors: Roberto Gonzalo, Dr.-Ing. Architekt Rainer Vallentin, Dr.-Ing. Architekt Co-author (building services): Wolfgang Nowak, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Project management and editorial work: Jakob Schoof, Dipl.-Ing. Editorial work and layout: Jana Rackwitz, Dipl.-Ing. Jakob Schoof, Dipl.-Ing. Illustrations: Ralph Donhauser, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Cover design: Cornelia Hellstern, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Translation: Sharon Heidenreich, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) English proofreading: J. Roderick O’Donovan, B. Arch.

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DTP & layout: Roswitha Siegler Reproduction: ludwig:media, Zell am See Print: GCC Grafisches Centrum Cuno, Calbe 1st edition 2014 Institut für internationale Architektur-Dokumentation GmbH & Co. KG Hackerbrücke 6, D-80335 München Telephone: +49/89/38 16 20-0 Telefax: +49/89/39 86 70 www.detail.de © 2014 Institut für internationale Architektur-Dokumentation GmbH & Co. KG, Munich A specialist book from Redaktion DETAIL ISBN: 978-3-95553-220-8

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Contents

Introduction

6

Urban design Impact of energy-related aspects on the urban design Design principles of compact and solar building Model urban design guidelines Reference projects Completed Passive House developments

68

Principles Concept approach: energy efficiency Definition of the Passive House standard Passive House components How does a Passive House work at different times of the year?

Thermal comfort and wellbeing Scope and field of application Economy Energy-related sustainability and climate protection

8 8 8 8

76

18

Non-residential building Passive House principles in non-residential buildings Energy balance Features of different building typologies

Passive House planning Main principles and comparison with other standards Passive house criteria Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) Certified building components Certification of Passive House buildings Certified Passive House designers EnerPHit standard Minergie-P standard 2000-Watt Society – SIA D 216 Net-zero energy standard

22

Reference buildings – non-residential

84

22 22 24 28 28 28 28 30 31 31

Passive House refurbishment Conditions for an energy efficiency refurbishment Refurbishment standards and strategies Energy balance and individual measures Outlook

100

Reference buildings – Passive House refurbishments

106

Design and planning principles General design issues Passive House design principles Principle of thermal envelope and form factor Principle of homogeneity Solar building design in Passive Houses The importance of window placement Basic principles of Passive House building services Design-based energy balance Impact of regional and urban climate Coordination of individual aspects Residential projects

32 32 34 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 46 46

Building envelope components Significance of the building envelope Opaque envelope constructions Transparent components Other construction elements and special components Building methods and construction systems

126 126 126 129

Building services Ventilation Space heating Heat supply concepts Energy-efficient cooling systems

134 134 139 140 143

Reference buildings – residential

48

Outlook

144

Appendix

146

10 12 14 16

68 69 72 73 74

76 77 80

100 102 103 105

131 132

Introduction

Designing energy efficiency This book is all about the design of Passive House buildings. Unlike many other books published, the design concept is considered not only from the viewpoint of construction technology, energy efficiency or building physics, but deliberately takes a holistic approach from the viewpoint of an architect and urban planner. On the other hand, the book is not intended to be a complete and academic design tool for energy-efficient building. Instead it is designed to illustrate how theoretical and practical experience with Passive House buildings can help contribute to the clarification of as yet unresolved issues. In this context, it is particularly interesting to determine the extent as to which design principles of solar and energy-efficient building are expedient or, as individual features, even mandatory to meet Passive House standard. Naturally, these considerations question the principles and even provoke the assessment of improvement strategies in the design process.

One aspect, in particular, has become apparent in the short period of approximately 20 years in which the Passive House standard has been around: the design and planning strategies have always been closely linked to the energy-efficient technologies available at the time of construction. The further development of these technologies has invariably affected the corresponding design approach.

And yet, a large variety of design strategies can lead to successful outcomes so long as the overall energy-related target is kept in mind, which is to design urban quarters, residential housing estates and buildings that are sustainable from an energy point of view – also in terms of the long-term, very ambitious climate protection goals.

6

Target groups There is an increasing interest in Passive Houses, also among architects.

However, this is not due to clever marketing, but simply because it is one of the most scientifically sophisticated and practical energy efficiency standards for buildings currently available.

This book is therefore addressed to all architects, urban and specialist planners who want to find out more about the Passive House concept or who are just about to design their first Passive House dwelling or Passive House housing estate. The contents will also provide new insight for those architects and planners already familiar with the Passive House standard. Among other things, it includes the future assessment of Passive House buildings with regard to their energy sustainability, and explains the impact this has on design.

Clients interested in the topic will find the many reference projects and insights into the design work of architects and specialist planners very worthwhile reading.

Passive House concept and design The Passive House concept is based on very clear and well-established energyrelated requirements and the verification thereof using the specially developed assessment tool: the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP). The concept is designed to give architects a high degree of flexibility as to how target values can be reached, since precise rules are deliberately avoided. It is fascinating to see how designers, step by step, have taken advantage of this freedom and gradually extended the scope of application. And, in our opinion, it is precisely this exploration of possibilities that makes the architects’ contribution towards the further development of the Passive House standard so substantive.

Strict criteria One question that often arises in the context of Passive Houses is whether the limit imposed on the space heat demand – it should be no greater than 15 kWh / m2a – must really be quite so strict. There are several ways to answer this question: • The target alues of the Passi e House standard and the constructional and technical approaches have proven successful in practice.

Together they provide a well-balanced mix of high comfort and performance in terms of building physics, which is reflected in economic and functional efficiency.

• The space heat demand is the most important value in defining the energy performance of a building. It follows that it also evaluates the architectural design in terms of the overall energy efficiency achieved.

• The principal design features and properties of Passive House buildings are based on the extremely low space heat demand and the very small heat load. Among these are excellent thermal comfort in winter, the elimination of draughts and very good indoor air quality, the absence of otherwise required radiators beneath windows, as well as the simple arrangement of building services in a core zone.

• User beha iour also aries quite considerably in Passive House homes.

Different residents require different room temperatures, ranging from 18 to 24°C; some like to open windows in winter to air the interior. The space heat demand measured in identical dwelling units can therefore vary between 3 and more than 40 kWh/m²a. Thus, the building services concept of Passive House buildings should be designed in such a way that even very different user

Energy-efficient building design

demands can be fulfilled in terms of heating performance and perfect comfort. If one were to increase the space heat demand to, for example, 20 kWh / m²a, the very basic heating system, commonly used in Passive House buildings, would no longer suffice to meet the demands.

Open approach versus “laissez faire” This book takes a very open approach to the design of energy-efficient buildings. The energy balance, using certified calculation programs and simulations, has been identified as the only really reliable tool. Those who verify their design using this tool but, at the same time, for good reasons, extend, replace or dispense with the undoubtedly very effective planning principles are very welcome to do so. However, this procedure requires a great deal of discipline, because each creative exceedance demands a sound knowledge of principles and their implications.

This approach is therefore the exact opposite of a “laissez faire” attitude.

Simply because of its low reserve capacity, the Passive House is less tolerant than buildings with lavishly dimensioned heating and cooling systems.

Book contents The structure of this book is based on the planning process of a Passive

House. It starts with an explanation of fundamental aspects including the definition of standards, project design, building physics and building services.

The topical focus is on architecturerelated design issues. This is followed by insights into the application of Passive House principles in urban planning, since this is regarded as the basis for the meaningful development of energyefficient buildings.

A separate chapter focuses on non-residential buildings completed according to Passive House standard. In this field especially, there is an increasing variety of typologies, ranging from schools, to museums and indoor swimming pools.

The weighting of factors in the energy balance varies according to type and use. Nevertheless, in the case of these buildings, too, the design and construction have a significant impact on the overall efficiency.

In recent times, energy efficiency upgrades have become an important field of application for Passive House components. However, the difficult circumstances often encountered in these schemes mean that not all elements can be improved sufficiently to meet the Passive House standard of a new build.

Further limitations are frequently added, such as the sensitivity of a scheme (building conservation), issues concerning space and building approval, as

well as demands to perform refurbishments in stages rather than in a single step. With the introduction of the EnerPHit standard, the Passive House Institute has developed a fine-tuned and practical planning concept for energy efficiency upgrades.

Passive House projects A range of completed Passive House projects in this book illustrate the exemplary implementation of the principles for energy-efficient and solar building.

The projects have generally been built with an average budget and ordinary user requirements. The selected examples present a wide range of building typologies, spatial configurations and structural concepts, as well as different solutions concerning building services.

The Passive House standard referred to in this book is the “classic” Passive House concept as determined by the German Passive House Institute. In order to present the Passive House developments taking place in other countries (e.g. the Swiss Minergie-P standard), the projects selected also include some buildings that marginally exceed Passive House standard.

1.1 Residential estate in Frankfurt am Main (D) 2008, Stefan Forster Architekten. Development of a building with a mixed-use concept, including living, shopping and dining, on the former site of a tram depot in the city centre.

1.1

7

Principles

• Concept approach: energ efficienc • Definition of the Passi e House standard • Passi e House components • Ho does a Passi e House ork at different times of the year?

• Thermal comfort and ellbeing • Scope and field of application • Econom • Energ -related sustainabilit and climate protection

Concept approach: energy efficiency The Passive House concept is based on a scientific, objective method and is characterised by consistency and transparency. Its energy-related targets define a clearly determined framework within which the design of the Passive House takes place. How the targets are actually met is quite purposely left to the designer. Thus, there are no predetermined design principles, construction methods or building services solutions.

The only crucial factor is the energy performance of the building and its constructional and technical components.

The criteria are simple and wellfounded. Complicated interdependencies of the target values between, for example, the size and compactness of the building or the type of building are deliberately avoided.

The overriding concept is extremely simple: nobody is interested in a wasteful consumption of energies and resources as an end in itself. Everybody is far more interested in the result and comfort that can be achieved through its consumption. Among the energy services expected are, for example, a comfortable workplace or home which is warm in winter and sufficiently cool in summer.

There should always be an adequate supply of fresh air in the interior without, however, having to sit in a draught. Furthermore, we need facilities in buildings for washing, bathing and showering, for washing and drying laundry, storing and preparing food and the opportunity to call on these according to our daily routines, which can occasionally be very spontaneous. It must also be possible to compensate for a lack of daylight, either in a room or at a certain time of day, by providing a suitable amount of artificial light in order to perform each and every task at any time.

8

This list more or less includes our entire sphere of life and all of the economic, public and private activities involved.

Most of these services can be rendered with a much lower use of energy than is usual practice today. The Passive House concept is designed to implement this efficiency standard consequently in the proposal, planning, development and operation of buildings. For economic and practical reasons, it begins with components that are generally required in every building anyway.

These are further developed in such a way that, in relation to the small additional constructional and technical effort required, superior results and comfort are achieved in total.

Definition of the Passive House standard To begin with, the energy consumption in a Passive House is reduced with passive measures to such a low level that the building hardly requires any heating, cooling, humidification or dehumidification to meet the predetermined climate and comfort conditions.

Among the passive measures, the most substantial contribution is made by the thermal insulation of the building. Most of the heat demand in winter can be covered by passive heat sources, such as the sun, the occupants, office or household appliances and the heat extracted from the exhaust air. The thermal insulation also helps to reduce heat gains inside a building in summer. Further passive measures, such as shading devices, natural ventilation, easily accessible storage mass, as well as a systematic reduction of internal heat loads, either suffice to keep the building cool on their own or are able to reduce the cooling load sufficiently so that it can

be covered with the use of very little energy. The application of technical equipment is therefore limited to the active ventilation of the interior space.

This should include heat recovery and possibly also the recovery of moisture.

Furthermore, the Passive House concept is designed to provide a controlled supply of the very small space heat demand, and if necessary also cooling demand, according to the individual requirements of the residents or users.

Passive House components The Passive House concept represents the state-of-the-art technical solution for energy-efficient building. The aim has been to improve the constructional and building services components in building,s in terms of their energy efficiency, to such a degree that the heating system can be downsized considerably.

The main components of a Passive House building include: Excellent thermal insulation The most obvious feature of a Passive House building is the excellent thermal insulation of the entire building envelope.

The opaque elements (exterior walls, roofs, ground and ceiling slabs) have, depending on the form factor of the building and the quality of the other constructional and technical components, U-values ranging between 0.08 and 0.18 W / m2K. In order to provide a high level of thermal comfort, the U-values of the windows are below 0.80 W / m2K. This requires insulated frames and the use of triple thermal protection glazing.

Avoiding thermal bridges; air and windtight construction of the building envelope Good thermal insulation includes excellent detailing of all junctions. This is nec-

Passive House components

essary not only from an energy point of view but also in terms of building physics (fig. 2.4, p. 10): • In order to a oid the thermal insulation of plane surfaces simply ending at junctions, it is necessary to make sure that all thermal bridges are prevented or at least minimised.

• An airtight construction of the building envelope is necessary to eliminate draughts, leak-induced damage and ventilation heat loss.

• The ind-tight construction of the building envelope avoids the thermal insulation from being wind-washed, i.e. air penetrating into and around the insulation, and thus reducing its effectiveness.

Coordinated passive solar components High solar contributions to the heating can be made by using Passive Housesuitable windows and glazing systems.

And this does not even require an excessively large solar aperture area, i.e. even a moderate window area can suffice. The size and number of glazed areas can be selected according to other aspects, such as daylight autonomy, the desired indoor/outdoor connection or designrelated considerations. The solar gain through windows can only provide a substantial contribution towards the space

heating if the heat loss of the window frames and window panes is kept to an absolute minimum.

For summer conditions, it is essential, like in all buildings, to limit the solar aperture to the size necessary in terms of lighting and the connection to the exterior space, or to provide controllable shading de ices. Depending on the design of the building, different window quantities (e.g. window sizes) and qualities (U-value of the window and g-value of the glass) must be checked and assessed according to the impact they have on the performance both in summer and winter conditions. Alongside affecting the energy balance, these considerations have a significant impact on the appearance and the user friendliness of the building.

High-performance ventilation unit Alongside the reduction of transmission heat loss, the minimization of ventilation heat loss, through the installation of a mechanical ventilation unit with a heat recovery system, is a key aspect of a Passive House building’s low space heat demand. All rooms within the thermal envelope of a Passive House are therefore provided with fresh air using a comfort ventilation system with heat recovery and a controlled supply and extraction of

air. The main aspect here is to ensure the air exchange necessary from a hygiene point of view. The effective heat supply rate of the mechanical ventilation unit should be at least 75 % in order to provide a suitable degree of efficiency and comfort.

Adapted heating and cooling systems A Passive House requires heating and cooling systems that are suitable to match the low heating and cooling demands of the building. Generally speaking, any conventional type of heating system can be used. In many cases, though, Passive House buildings can be heated using the supply air only.

Additional heating surfaces, if at all required, do not necessarily have to be placed beneath windows, which was previously the case. This has the effect of simplifying and reducing the installation work, which frees up the additional expenditure for the heat recovery system of the mechanical ventilation unit. These aspects have a considerable impact on the economic efficiency of the Passive House concept.

2.1 School for speech correction in Griesheim D 2011, Ramona Buxbaum Architekten. The new build includes three separate, compact pavilions built as timber frame structures.

2.1

9

Principles

20°C

-5 °C 35 W/m2

U= 1.40 W/m2K

Building stock

8 W/m2

U= 0.30 W/m2K

EnEV

3 W/m2

U= 0.12 W/m2K

Passive House 2.2 extract air

outside air

Energy-efficient electrical installations The use of power-efficient devices, work or household appliances and lighting, as well as all other service facilities (e.g. elevators) and electronic devices (e.g. communication technology) is a fundamental aspect of the Passive House concept (fig. 2.5). However, the implementation of this aspect is often disregarded by architects and consultants since it is not considered to be within the scope of normal services. Its impact on the primary energy balance, the greenhouse gas emissions and comfort conditions in summer is quite considerable though. It is for this reason that all power consumers are accounted for and assessed in the electricity balance of the primary energy criterion.

20 °C

0°C

How does a Passive House work at different times of the year?

Heat exchanger ηHR = 90 %

exhaust air

supply air

3°C

18 °C

Annual space heat demand [kWh/m2a]

2.3 35 30

28.2

25 19.8

20

17.1 15.0

15

13.5

Passive House limit

10 5 0

Primary energy (non-renewable) [kWh/m2a]a]

3.0

1.5

1.0

0.6 0.3 n50 pressure test factor

150

120

Passive House limit

2.4 household electricity aux. power hot water heating

100 90 50 25 50

15

10

5

25

25

25

20

20

20

average power efficiency today

improved

efficient

0

2.5

10

The functional principles of a Passive House are explained below. The exemplary illustrations are based on a singleunit dwelling in a Central European climate and take into account the residents’ lifestyle. The ventilation concept and performance, which is adapted to the corresponding season, is of central importance.

Winter Fresh outside air is drawn into the building through a central opening or structure with an integrated filter and transported to the core element of the mechanical ventilation unit, the heat exchanger, with the help of energy-saving fans. At the same time, a second fan extracts waste air from rooms where moisture and pollutants are most often generated (e.g. kitchen, bathroom, utility room). The heat contained in the extract air is transferred to the outside air in the heat exchanger (fig. 2.3). The preheated air is continuously supplied to the living spaces (e.g. living room, bedrooms). A high quality of supply air is ensured by the steady and permanent exchange of air. While it is not necessary to open windows for ventilation purposes, this can be done if required, for example in the case of a party or where cooler bedrooms are preferred at night.

The excellent insulation of the building envelope and the controlled air exchange provided by the mechanical ventilation unit with heat recovery reduce the heat loss to a minimum. The high quality glazing even ensures high solar heat gain in the middle of winter. The

remaining heat demand can be covered solely by the preheated supply air, and possibly a few additional, carefully placed radiators. It is also possible to completely separate the ventilation and heating system and control them individually. The heating period in a Passive House lasts from November to March and is therefore much shorter than that of a conventional building.

In-between seasons In the in-between seasons, autumn and spring, the Passive House does not need to be heated, provided the heat recovery system of the mechanical ventilation unit is still being operated. It is fairly easy to adjust the temperature in the interior of a Passive House by opening the windows for short periods of time to get rid of excess heat due to, for example, undesirable solar heat gains.

Because of the high radiation of the low standing sun, the use of shading devices and glare control is especially important on very sunny days.

Summer In summer, Passive House buildings are very similar to conventional buildings of similar construction. Contrary to popular belief, the very good thermal insulation actually helps to keep rooms cool. This is especially true for attic storeys, which are often uncomfortable to use in summer due to overheating. By using windows with forced ventilation and adjustable shading devices at the most important openings, the residents have some very effective passive cooling strategies at their disposal. However, the conditions for their installation must already be made at the design stage, including the perfect arrangement of windows to provide cross ventilation, possibly involving several storeys, as well as the integration of shading devices.

The mechanical ventilation unit is often also operated in summer purely to provide better thermal comfort. In this case, however, the heat recovery system must be circumvented, either by installing a bypass or by exchanging it for a summer casette. The use of energy-efficient electrical appliances is fundamental for good comfort conditions in summer since this prevents the build up of critical heat loads in the interior space.

Opening of windows in Passive Houses In contrast to the common misconception that you are not allowed to open windows in a Passive House, window

100

space heating

internal heat gains

solar heat gains

transmission

Frequency of overtemperature h (δ > 25 °C) [%]

Annual space heating energy balance [kWh/m2a]

How does a Passive House work at different times of the year?

ventilation

90 without ventilation heat recovery without ground heat exchanger

80 70 ventilation heat recovery 80% ground heat exchanger 20%

60 50

5.9 13%

40

23.2 50%

30

40.4 87%

8.1 18%

20 10

24.5 35%

29.2 42%

8.5 12% 40.4 58%

36.6 53%

15 32%

0

25

20

15

10

5

0

Gains

Losses Passive House

Gains Losses Passive House without heat recovery

frequent

average

infrequent

2.6 3

2.7

6 1

4 2

5 25

21 24 22

23

13

20

8

18

9

17 16

supply air

21

supply air

7 19

waste air 19

10 15 12

11

14

26

2.2 Heat flow through an exterior wall dependent on the U-value of the construction 2.3 Performance of the highly efficient heat recovery system (with hHR = 90 %) 2.4 Annual space heat demand of a Passive House dependent on the airtightness measured by the blower door pressure test 2.5 Primary energy value of a Passive House dependent on the efficiency of electrical systems (household appliances, communication electronics, lighting, pumps, fans) 2.6 Impact of ventilation heat recovery on the energy balance of a Passive House. The annual space heat demand would rise from 15 to almost 40 kWh/m2a without heat recovery.

2.7 Impact of residents opening windows for ventilation purposes to improve summer ther-

mal comfort (frequency of indoor temperature rising above 25 °C).

2.8 Overview of the most important Passive House components and their interaction in a schematic section.

1 air intake with filter (F 7 filter) 2 frost protection coil 3 heat exchange chamber 4 support fan (intake duct) 5 support fan (exhaust duct) 6 exhaust air outlet (e.g. deflector hood) 7 fireproof dampers 8 supply air terminal in dwelling unit 9 secondary heating coil 10 waste air fan 11 bathroom radiator 12 optional additional heating surface

2.8 13 central core with fire resistant ventilation ducts (F 90) 14 sanitary rooms arranged around the central core 15 waste air filter 16 insulated exterior wall 17 wind-tight layer (e.g. external rendering) 18 airtight layer (e.g. internal plastering) 19 Passive House window with triple glazing 20 blind box integrated into insulation layer 21 fixed overhang (e.g. balcony slab) as a shading device for the south-facing facade 22 balcony set in front of the structure (only point-fixed to building) 23 window ventilation (tilt position) 24 window ventilation (cross ventilation in summer) 25 roof overhang to provide shading of south facade 26 bottom block course made of aerated concrete

11

Design and planning principles

Solid construction with composite thermal insulation system

20°C

–10°C

Unfavourable window position psi-value of installation (Y): 0.104 W/mK Uw- alue installed : 1.074 W/m2K surface temperature frame/ all: 17.1 °C Space heat demand for standard building ith Passive House insulation and energy-efficient ventilation unit: single-famil home: 18.6 kWh/m2a multi-famil home:

16.1 kWh/m2a

Favourable window position psi-value of installation (Y): – 0.007 W/mK Uw-value (installed): 0.755 W/m2K surface temperature frame/ all: 18.6 °C Space heat demand for standard building ith Passive House insulation and energy-efficient ventilation unit: single-family home: 12.8 kWh/m2a multi-family home:

12.4 kWh/m2a

Brettstapel wall with lightweight, insulated cladding

20°C

–10°C

Unfavourable window position psi-value of installation (Y): 0.062 W/mK Uw-value (installed): 0.935 W/m2K surface temperature frame/ all: 17.5 °C Space heat demand for standard building ith Passive House insulation and energy-efficient ventilation unit: single-family home: 17.6 kWh/m2a multi-family home:

15.1 kWh/m2a

Favourable window position psi-value of installation (Y): 0.002 W/mK Uw-value (installed): 0.778 W/m2K surface temperature frame/ all: 17.5 °C Space heat demand for standard building ith Passive House insulation and energy-efficient ventilation unit: single-family home: 13.9 kWh/m2a multi-family home:

13.0 kWh/m2a 4.16

a

b

4.17

a

b

4.18

40

The importance of window placement The development of detail solutions for windows and other glazed openings has a significant impact not only on the appearance of the building. The way in which they are fitted also affects aspects of construction and building physics.

Choice of window frame Due to the large variety of window products and other glazing systems (e.g. framed glazing), the initial step in the detailing of openings should include hich kind of frame and, more precisel , hich product is best suited to the task.

The depth and the width of the frame, including the profile, are fundamental aspects that determine the overall appearance of the window in its opening.

The amount of solar gain is also dependent on the frame. Furthermore, the design of the frame determines the extent as to which the window can be wrapped in insulation (either on the rear side or on the top of the frame). In terms of creative, ecological and technical viewpoints, the frame material and surface finish are also important aspects.

The energy performance values are also of great importance when choosing the window product since they have a considerable impact on the energy balance.

These include the U-value of the frame and the glazing, the g-value of the glass and the psi-value of the spacer.

Window position According to the principle of homogeneity, the windows in Passive House buildings should always sit in the same layer as the insulation, since this is the only way to ensure a good continuation of the insulation plane. The ideal position in the middle of the wall insulation is however fairly difficult to accomplish due to the window brackets. In the case of solid masonr walls, a solution, now established as common practice in Passive House buildings, is to fit the window immediately in front of the exterior wall. This involves structurally supporting the window either with steel angles and/or a bottom bracket using either a timber batten or high strength insulation board, which can function as a fixing base. The heat loss rises considerably if the window is positioned in the same plane as the masonry wall (fig. 4.16).

The same applies to timber constructions; however, in this case, the position of the window can be determined more freely since the actual fixing is not limited to a single position. The detailing of the

The importance of window placement

wooden jamb, header and subsill (I-shaped, glulam or composite insulated beams), determine which position is best for fixing the window and connecting up to the insulation plane.

Ne ertheless, depending on the intention of the design, it is also possible to set the window on the inside of the wall (e.g. within the installation plane of a timber frame wall) or very far on the outside, even flush with exterior wall surfaces (fig. 4.17).

In all of these cases, it is necessary to determine the thermal bridge value at the window edges and enter it into the PHPP indo orksheet. When the indo s are set flush with the exterior wall surface, protection against driving rain has to be considered.

The position of the window in the wall is closely related to the amount of shade created b the re eal. Setting the indo deep into the reveal leads to a considerable reduction of solar gain - this may however be desirable in summer. The opposite occurs if an exterior position is chosen.

However, the reduced depth may be cause for a creative conflict if the necessary shading device is to be integrated into the wall. The space for a suitable connection of the insulation is simply not available in these circumstances.

Window reveal design In order to ensure a continuous layer of insulation around the building, the outside of the window frame should be wrapped with insulation. In refurbishment projects this detail solution changes the position and appearance of the reveal considerably. If the openings are set out on a grid, displacements occur in the facade layout, which are frequently difficult to put right.

Angled window reveals on the inside and outside can improve the solar gain and daylight conditions. There is great leeway in this regard since the isothermal lines are diverted towards the window here anyway (fig. 4.19 b). The systematic use of this strategy provides new opportunities for the facade design (fig. 4.19 a).

Integration of solar shading systems The development of the window details should also include the constructional and creative integration of shading devices. There is a range of ready-made system solutions for some situations.

In some of these, the position of the shading device forms the basis for the further development of independent design elements, such as the window frame (fig. 4.20).

4.16 Comparison bet een an unfa ourable left side and a favourable (right side) position of a Passive House window in a solid construction (top) and a lightweight timber construction (bottom) 4.17 Refurbishment of a single-famil d elling in Kolding DK 2010, Sofie Thorning. The building, including the roof, has been wrapped in a new skin made of glass fibre reinforced PVC panels.

The same material has been used for the frames that are set flush with the exterior walls; fixed glass is used in all other transparent surface areas. a elevation b detail section, scale 1:20 4.18 Multi-famil d elling in Wolfurt A 2001, Gerhard Z eier. Solid construction ith facades made of prefabricated timber frame elements; the windows are placed in the installation zone, flush with the interior surface. The window frames are made of wood; the casement has a core insulation of PUR rec clate. a elevation b detail section, scale 1:20 4.19 Refurbishment of an office building in Bozen I 2006, Michael Tribus Architecture.

The angled window reveals are a creative measure to improve the light conditions inside. The windows are installed in the insulation plane.

The thermal bridge at the window-to-wall junction is minor despite the reduction of the insulation thickness. a elevation of the facade b detail section c illustration of isotherms 4.20 To n terrace houses in Munich D 2006, Rainer Vallentin. The window frames protruding from the facade are not only a special feature, they are also designed to incorporate a roller blind ithout reducing the thickness of the thermal insulation. There are no thermal bridges at the windows. a elevation of the facade b detail section c illustration of isotherms

20°C

-10°C a

b

c

4.19

a

b

c

4.20

41

Design and planning principles

Basic principles of Passive House building services The spatial arrangement of building services systems, such as the location of plant rooms and the layout of vertical and horizontal distribution systems, is primaril the architect s task. The spatial integration of building services requires the development of a system similar to that of the construction or the internal circulation of the building. The actual technical design, on the other hand, should be prepared by specialist planners.

a 1

2 3

1 roof top 2 extension 3 basement

load-bearing structure thermal envelope plant room, shafts and ducts air supply ducts

b

4.21

extract zone

supply air zone

transfer zone 4.22

Location of the plant rooms within or close to the thermal envelope The location of the building services is closely related to the principle of the thermal envelope. A general decision has to be made as to whether the technical systems (e.g. mechanical ventilation unit, heat generator, cooling system) are to be placed inside or outside the building en elope. In a Passi e House, it makes sense to install the technical equipment inside the thermal envelope, for example in an insulated basement room (fig. 4.21 and 4.24): • The airtightness concept is fairl simple because only a few penetrations need to be made airtight, such as those for the services connections, the fresh air and waste air ducts and possibly brine pipes. Complicated penetrations for cables can also be avoided.

• The heat loss through heat generation, storage and distribution is much lower when the heating system is placed inside the thermal envelope.

• If the plant room is located close to a vertical shaft the lengths of the horizontal runs can be reduced considerably.

If the conditions above cannot be met, the plant room should at least be positioned close to openings in a vertical shaft in order to minimise the lengths of horizontal runs outside the thermal envelope. Plant rooms that are not inside the thermal envelope can either be placed in the basement, next to the building as a kind of e tension or on the roof as a superstructure.

a

Principle of short runs In Passive House buildings, it is usually not necessary to place radiators beneath windows. The ventilation valves do also not necessarily have to be fitted close to the facade. As a consequence, all vertical and horizontal distribution runs for the heating and ventilation units can be

b 4.23

42

placed in the core of the building. The short runs of the distribution lines and ducts resulting from this arrangement are beneficial not only with regard to costs and space but also energy loss and the requirement for auxiliary power. Because the PHPP does not allow default values for pipe runs and heat loss through distribution, these potentials for improvement are easily perceived in the energy balance. This is a fairly significant aspect of the Passive House standard. If this were not the case, the high energy efficiency of the thermal envelope and the primary building services would be hampered by the secondary services involving the supply of heat, i.e. storage, distribution and transfer.

Air zones Initially, the separation of the building into air zones is a sorting procedure which is very much dependent on the user and the layout of space: • All rooms that require a direct suppl of fresh air are assigned to the supply air zone. In a residential building, these should include all living and dining rooms, recreation space and bedrooms.

• The e tract zone includes all rooms where there is a need to remove moisture and smells, such as kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, shower and utility rooms.

• The intermediate or transfer zones are the areas or rooms through which the air is drawn, i.e. between the supply air zone and the extract zone. There are no special requirements for these rooms.

The air flow is achieved through transfer paths, such as gaps beneath doors, at the door head or through overflow valves.

The aim is to ensure an even supply of fresh air throughout all rooms and at the same time remove smells and moisture close to where they occur most. The layout of air zones forms the basis for designing the air duct system (fig. 4.22).

Cascade ventilation system The ventilation concepts tried and tested in Passive House buildings have become simpler and more low-tech in recent years.

Suppl air is no , for e ample, onl supplied to individual rooms and bedrooms, whereas the living and dining rooms are considered as extended transfer zones.

As a consequence, it has been possible to reduce the duct runs, the air volume and the power consumed by fans without changing the indoor air quality. However,

Design principles for Passive House building services

Served and servant rooms The bundling of building services in the floor plan affects the spatial principle of served and servant rooms. The objective is to free all of the main rooms (served rooms) from technical equipment. This design principle can be implemented by making use of different zones or ser ant elements, such as independent room segments (e.g. sanitary cells, shafts), hich function as a kind of anchor in the floor plan (fig. 4.23).

Specific heat loss [kWh/(m2TFA·a)]

Ventilation and heating concept The development of a ventilation and heating concept in coordination with clients, architects and specialist planners is a requirement for every Passive House building. The following issues need to be considered in this regard: • Which rooms are to be assigned to which air zone and how are the air volumes to be balanced efficiently?

• Is the building to be heated b the supply air exclusively or should radiators be added for an extra supply of heat?

Or, is it necessary or possibly preferable to completely separate the two systems, ventilation and heating?

• Which criteria are most important in regard of the building services concept, such as preferred energy carrier, available reserve capacities, low investment, operation or maintenance costs?

Concept of power efficiency In Passive House buildings, clients, architects and specialist planners are jointly responsible for the successful implementation of the power efficiency concept. It includes fitting out the building with lowpo er electrical appliances, cookers, ork equipment e.g. computers, ser ers, monitors, printers), lighting, cooling systems and all building services systems (e.g. pumps, fans, automatic control).

By choosing suitable components, it is usually possible to reduce the power demand, in comparison to the average level today, by a factor of 1.5 – 5. Alongside the immediate impact on the primary energy demand, the effects of power consumption on the thermal conditions of the building in summer and winter demand that preliminary investigations be made (fig. 4.25): • The summer climate of the building is

14

EnEV 2002/2009 Passive House Passive House + solar collector plant (50 –60 % heating of DHW)

12 10 8 6

very much dependent on the number of internal heat sources. The consumption of electricity has a great impact in this regard, since a large proportion of the power consumed is dissipated into the rooms as waste heat. The concept of power efficiency is therefore a prerequisite for all passive cooling strategies.

This is even more pronounced when an energy-efficient active cooling system is required, as is frequently the case in non-residential buildings.

• On the other hand, the internal heat gains of a Passive House contribute immensely towards heating the building in winter. The heat load of Passive House buildings will presumably rise, in particular due to the more efficient use of electricity. This means that, in future, it will be necessary to provide the corresponding reserve capacities.

• A high degree of po er efficienc is required to cover the high self-coverage rate and future in-house storage facilities when striving for a zero-energy concept.

• In particular situations, it is possible to achieve synergy by using the waste heat from spatially concentrated appliances with a high power demand (e.g. server rooms, refrigerated counters).

24 h average in summer [W/m2]

this concept requires a separation of the building’s heating and ventilation system, which is, in actual fact, recommended anyway.

6

appliances lighting persons evaporation

4

2

4 0 2 0 courtyard house

detached house

terrace house end

terrace house middle

block 4 units per floor

bar-shaped house

Specific heat loss [kWh/(m2TFA·a)]

a 14 EnEV 2002/2009 Passive House Passive House + solar collector plant (50 –60 % heating of DHW)

12

Passive House + compact ventilation unit Passive House + compact ventilation unit + solar collector plant

10 8 6 4 2 0 courtyard house

b

detached house

terrace house end

terrace house middle

block 4 units per floor

bar-shaped house 4.24

-2 conventional

improved

efficient 4.25

4.21 Location of the plant room in relation to the thermal envelope a inside b outside, as close as possible to the vertical shaft 4.22 Comparison of traditional air zone la out left apartment) and simplified, so-called cascade ventilation system, on the right. Fresh air is only supplied to the bedrooms.

4.23 Principle of served and servant rooms a building ser ices zone/main room zone b sanitary unit 4.24 Distribution and storage heat loss from: a positioning the plant room outside the thermal envelope b positioning the plant room inside the thermal envelope 4.25 Amount of internal heat gain in accordance with the efficiency of electrical appliances

43

Required Um,opaque [W/m2K]

Design and planning principles

0.4

Design-based energy balance

0.3

0.2

0.12 0.1

0

Space heat demand [kWh/m2a]

0

0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 Form factor A/ TFA [–] 4.26

20

15.0 15

14.7

13.4

13.0

12.4

12.2 11.2

10

5

Reduction Reductionfactor factorfor forovershadowing overshadowing

0

a

b

c

1

d

south

e

f

east/west

g 4.27 north

0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6

The first steps in designing a building characterise not only the development of the architectural proposal but also that of the energ concept. Ne ertheless, e perience has shown that using the Passive House Planning Package PHPP at an early design stage usually involves too much effort and consequently this is rarely done. Moreover, much of the information that is necessary to complete a comprehensive energy balance is not yet available at this point in time [22].

It therefore makes more sense to use a graded system of design tools and calculation methods, which adapt to the greater detail of information during the course of the design process.

For this purpose, the author of this book has developed not only a basic design tool but also a brief Excel spreadsheet, which can be used to prepare simple annual energy balances, even if some of the design parameters have not yet been determined [23]. The time required to enter the data is negligible (a maximum of five to ten minutes per design), and there is no need to make an presettings. All energy-relevant parameters are entered by the user. This method is designed to encourage a greater understanding of energy balances and promote the significance of important design features. The process of using the design-based energy balance is illustrated here by the town terrace houses in Munich, which are presented in this book on page 56:

0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 0

1

2

3

4

5

6 7 8 Proportion D/H 4.28

4.26 Required a erage U- alue of the opaque, insulated surfaces (roof, exterior wall, basement ceiling) to meet Passive House standard (space heat demand = 15 kWh/m2a). First figures for the main volume of the town terrace houses in Munich (see pp. 56ff.)

4.27 Comparison bet een different designs for the town terrace houses project in Munich using the preliminary PHPP tool a as built b north-facing window surface area halved c without insulation-wrapped window frames d no overshadowing through balcony e without annexes at end terrace houses f basement and plant room outside thermal envelope g better ventilation unit (separate heat pump) 4.28 Calculation of the o ershado ing factors of shading devices consisting of horizontal battens in accordance ith the D/H ratio depth/height of the gap and their orientation

44

Preliminary design – initial dimensions The plot specified on the fairly small site in the development plan was for a southoriented, three-storey terrace measuring 10.5 m in depth and 44 m in length. Due to the small distance between this terrace and the neighbouring ones, a floor space inde FSI of 1.0 is achie ed – a high density for terrace houses. With a distance to height ratio of 1.6, the overshadowing of the main south-facing facade by the neighbouring building is quite significant. Initial calculations for the Passive House envelope were made based on these given facts (volume, orientation and overshadowing) (fig. 4.26 and 6.9, p. 72).

The form factor for the terrace is A weighted / TFA = 1.6. The necessar mean U-value of the opaque, insulated surfaces identified in the diagram for the case “south, overshadowed” is approximately 0.12 W / m2K. Only a few assumptions, in line with those used as a basis for the diagrams, are made for the energy factors of

the mechanical ventilation unit and the windows, including their distribution.

Preliminary design – first energy balance The main emphasis of this design phase is on the development of an abstract layout of space. The overlapping of zones, which also involves the exterior space and elements set outside the thermal envelope (porch, balcony, terrace), is considered a special feature of this design (fig. 4.33). First of all, using the preliminary energy balance tool, the information was used to calculate the space heat demand for one basic unit. Then some of the more important design parameters were varied systematically (fig. 4.27): • size of north-facing indo s • indo frame co ered ith insulation es/no • no o ershado ing through balconies • anne buildings at both ends of the terrace es/no • basement and plant rooms outside the thermal envelope • heating and entilation s stem (separate heat pumps instead of compact unit) This process identified the extent to which these parameters affect the space heat demand and the heat load. In many cases, there was reason not to choose the most energy-efficient solution. For example, the north-facing windows on the upper floors are the same size as the south-facing windows simply to ensure sufficient da light inside. Gi en that much of the garden is communal, the overshadowing created by balconies and trellises was deemed acceptable as they provide a semi-private area close to the house. And the request of the families moving into the end terrace houses to build an annex was granted. All of these concessions needed to be balanced in another way, for example by improving the quality of the roof insulation. The incorporation of the basement and the plant room into the thermal envelope is especially beneficial for the primary energy balance due to the low distribution and storage heat loss.

Final design – planning with the PHPP Not until the design as almost complete, was the PHPP incorporated in the planning process. Most of the data could be entered fairly swiftly since a lot of the parameters could simply be adopted or adjusted from comparable reference projects. However, calculating the impact of

Design-based energy balance

Use phase – monitoring On completion of the building, the consumption figures were read once a month in all eight terrace houses. By comparing the readings, it was possible to detect faults in technical components, for e ample fault gra it breaks in the solar thermal collector plant or accidentally changed settings on the compact unit.

Experience has shown that this aftercare is indispensable, particularly as regards building services. Due to the low reserve capacities, it is much easier to detect faults or system problems in a Passive House than in a conventional building.

All in all, the technical de ices ork ell and are reliable in all houses. This is confirmed by the low consumption figures, which are well in line with the values calculated in the PHPP.

generated PV power Primary energy (non-renewable) [kWh/m2a]

Construction phase Based on the various concepts for the insulation, air and wind-tightness of the building, the production information included the development of all necessary construction details for the thermal envelope. Thermal bridges were identified at the junction between the interior basement walls and the ground slab and at the base of the building. Some of the energy parameters (e.g. the windows) could not be fully determined until the tenders had been returned and the contracts with the contractors signed. It was not until even later – after the blower door pressure test had been carried out – that the air leakage rate could be calculated in the PHPP. Due to the excellent n50value of 0.36 h-1, compared to the average value of 0.60 h-1, the space heat demand could be reduced by approximatel 1.2 kWh/m2a.

4.29 household appliances

building services Power consumption (meter) [kWh/(m2·month)]

the overshadowing on the energy performance, created by elements set in front of the facades, such as the balcony, trellises and porch (fig. 4.28 – 4.30), was fairly complicated.

After intensive research on building services, a compact ventilation unit with a small integrated heat pump was chosen, which enables the inclusion of solar collectors, but also the separation of a hot water circuit. The data concerning the technical aspects of the PHPP were entered by the specialist planner based on the building services plans. The manufacturer of the compact ventilation unit provided the parameters required for the technical orksheet once the had been cleared with the certification institute and adjusted accordingly.

5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9 10 11 12 Month 4.31

100

4.30 gas (cooking)

PHPP calculation: 83 kWh/m2a

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 -10

2006

2007

2008 4.32

footpath terrace

porch

bedroom

shaft

stairs bedroom 4.34

terrace

balcony

vegetable patch

communal garden bench raised bed

4.29 S outh facade of the terrace houses in Munich; the facade is overshadowed by the balcony, trellises and the deep window reveals.

4.30 N orth facade o ershado ed b porch and deep window reveals 4.31 Terrace houses in Munich: monthly power consumption (separated according to building services and household appliances) in 2006 4.32 Town terrace houses in Munich: primary energy consumption for the years 2006 to 2009 and comparison to the PHPP-calculated value. The measured and calculated values coincide.

4.33 Functional diagram of one town terrace house with the different zones, the elements set outside the thermal envelope, the main window areas and the central shaft, the so-called “anchor”, in the floor plan 4.34 Axonometric view of the south facade including the elements that are responsible for overshadowing

4.33

45

Reference buildings – residential

Single-family home Dorfen, D 2010 Client: Family Gührs, Dorfen Architect: Architekturwerkstatt Vallentin, Dorfen Building services: Ingenieurbüro Güttinger, Kempten

5.1

Opinions on the building of single family homes differ fundamentally. Some simply refuse to plan and construct them because they are neither ecological nor sustainable due to their high demand for space and mobility; others try to meet the majority‘s desire for an individual habitat with greater independence from neighbours and other disturbances for more or less pragmatic reasons and, in the best case, to enrich it with new features and qualities.

The fact is, however, that the development of residential buildings, except possibly in large cities, is drifting away from multi-sto-

rey buildings, despite the criticism voiced by architects, town and regional planners against urban sprawl.

The project presented here is in numerous ways trend-setting since it was undertaken with the objective of building a free-standing, compact Passive House that would be very economic in terms of investment, resources and energy. The house is located in a new development area of a small town within walking distance of the station. It is a clearly defined structure with a saddle roof, which is distinguished by the sloped angle of the ridge and the eaves. The

openings – one each per facade and storey – are individualised and provided with colour-contrasting, angled reveals.

The same design methodology has been applied to the covered terrace.

The skin features a mixture of larch cladding, red facade panels and corrugated aluminium sheet in the roof zone.

Not until the relationship between the open-plan layout and the use of space has been fully grasped is it possible to appreciate the composition of volumes, openings and interior fit-out as an intelligent play of freely placed elements.

5.2

48

Single-family home in Dorfen

5.3 5.4 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6

North elevation with carport South elevation Section a – a, scale 1:200 Site plan, scale 1:1000 1st floor floor plan, scale 1:200 Ground floor plan, scale 1:200 1 entrance 2 bathroom 3 plant room 4 kitchen 5 dining / living 6 terrace 7 carport 8 infiltration trench 9 living /bedroom 5.7 Interior spaces

a 3

2

9

a 5.5

7

3 2 1 4

5

6

8

5.6

5.7

49

Reference buildings – residential

5.8 South elevation before installing the windows and fixing the exterior cladding 5.9 Vertical section north facade, scale 1:20 1 roof: 18 mm corrugated aluminium sheet 60 mm battens 30 mm counter-battens waterproofing membrane 15 mm wood fibreboard, open to diffusion 400 mm cellulose fibre insulation/timber web joists 22 mm OSB board, interior finish 2 2≈ 40 mm laminated timber, screwed 3 window: triple glazing in wood frame 4 reveal sheathed with veneer plywood, painted 5 facade: 25 mm larch timber cladding 40 mm counter-battens 20 mm battens fabric membrane, protection against driving rain 15 mm wood fibreboard, open to diffusion 60/270 mm perimeter beam, laminated timber (BS 11) 400 mm cellulose fibre insulation 60/270 mm perimeter beam, laminated timber (BS 11) 22 mm OSB board, interior finish 6 first floor floor slab: 15 mm OSB board, floor covering 60 mm screed 20 mm impact sound insulation 30 mm thermal insulation 140 mm Brettstapel floor panel 7 ground floor slab: 15 mm OSB board, floor covering 60 mm screed 20 mm impact sound insulation 160 mm PUR insulation board 10 mm waterproofing membrane 250 mm reinforced concrete slab 2≈ 120 mm XPS perimeter insulation 60 mm blinding layer 560 mm frost protection layer, gravel 5.10 Section with energy and building services concept, scale 1:150 5.11 Floor plans with energy and building services concept, scale 1:150 a ground floor b first floor (section) 5.12 Building data

1

2

4 3

6

5

7

5.8

50

5.9

Single-family home in Dorfen

Construction Due to their low degree of compactness, free-standing single-family homes place high demands on the energy performance of constructional and technical components. The U-values of the thermal envelope must be around 0.1 W/m2K, or sometimes even lower. In this project, these demands have been fulfilled at very low cost and in combination with a very simple standard in the fit-out.

A reinforced concrete ground slab with load-bearing perimeter insulation below forms the base of the building. All other structural elements were built as a lightweight timber construction. Since a decision was made to construct the exterior walls without an installation cavity, the wood frame elements were very inexpensive owing to the small number of layers.

Instead, the electrical installations have been incorporated in the insulation plane.

To meet the high requirements concerning airtightness, the wall elements were equipped with airtight sockets and installation pockets before arriving on site.

These work processes required a great deal of experience and accuracy, as it would have been extremely difficult to remedy any leakages determined during the blower-door pressure test after having erected the walls.

The floor is a Brettstapel panel with a conventional screed finish. For cost reasons OSB panels, which would have been required anyway for stiffening purposes, have been used for the interior fit-out.

Because the same material has been used for the flooring, the appearance of the interior is extremely uniform and only interrupted by the door and window openings.

Building services The building services are located inside the thermal envelope in two small plant rooms stacked on top of each other in the north-eastern corner. A gas condensing boiler was installed with a solar collector plant to provide domestic hot water and support the heating system. The mechanical ventilation unit with a heat recovery system uses a brine heat exchanger for frost protection purposes in winter. A ground heat exchanger would have been very expensive without the construction of a basement storey. Due to the open layout, the air ducts have only been incorporated in the ancillary rooms. The heat is supplied to the rooms through a heating water circuit and radiators. This means that the air volume can be set and controlled independently from the heating.

4

3 5

2 5

1

6 5.10

3 1

6

2

5

5 5

5

5

a

b 4 solar collectors for the provision of hot water and heating 5 radiators 6 brine heat exchanger

1 gas boiler 2 500 l buffer heat store 3 comfort ventilation unit with heat recovery

— — — — —

outside air supply air extract air exhaust air heating 5.11

Building data Use residential Areas 161 m2 113 m2 409.3 m2

floor space index (FSI) gross volume (V) A / V ratio A weighted /TFA

0.36 611.7 m3 0.67 3.11

roof ground slab glazing-to-floor area ratio (glazing/TFA)

0.1 W/m2K 0.07 W/m2K 0.213

wall window: Uw-value g-value

0.1 W/m2K 0.708 W/m2K 0.61

Energy performance data

PHPP

space heat demand primary energy heat supply rate GWP (CO2 equivalent)

13.8 kWh/m2a 115.5 kWh/m2a 86 % 28.2 kg/m2

heat load ventilation system blower-door test 1/h (50 Pa)

10.3 W/m2 central 0.29

Heat supply system

gas condensing boiler

energy carrier photovoltaic plant

natural gas not installed

solar collector plant (coverage rate)

49 %

gross floor area (GFA) treated floor area (TFA) thermal envelope area (A) U-values [W/m2K]

Particularities frost protection layer with brine circuit 5.12

51

Urban design

• Impact of energ -related aspects on the urban design • Design principles of compact and solar building • Model urban design guidelines • Reference projects • Completed Passi e House developments

Impact of energy-related aspects on the urban design Today catchwords, such as “solar city” or “energy-efficient urban development”, are being used to highlight the increasing significance of energy-related issues with new model and design concepts in town planning schemes. More often than not in these cases the space/energy-related interdependencies are given priority and demanded as design principles without taking into consideration the effects of their unilateral application on an urban and social level. In response to these conflicts and the complex nature of the interdependencies, many “traditional” town planners are trying to keep energyrelated issues out of the urban design process.

The aim of the following contents is to bring together the two perspectives in such a way that the energy-related issues become an essential component of the urban design without dominating the process in a one-sided manner. A variety of studies and already completed residential housing estates have shown that the Passive House concept is capable of offering suitable and practical solutions in this respect.

Influencing factors of energy-efficient urban planning The factors influencing energy-efficient urban planning are extremely diverse, and complex in the way they correlate.

It is for this reason that there are many publications containing statements and requirements which appear contradictory.

For urban design, it is therefore absolutely essential to be able to differentiate between important and less important parameters while at the same time keeping an eye on the energy-related and spatial conditions.

The results of the author’s [1, 2, 3] systematic studies on the interdependencies of town planning and energy-related issues can be summarised as follows (figs. 6.1 to 6.6): • The choice of the buildings energ performance is the most important and overriding factor concerning the energy demand of a residential housing estate.

• Alongside the energ performance of buildings, the building services concept is mainly responsible for the level of the primary energy demand and the greenhouse gas emissions of the estate.

• The densit of housing is the most important space/energy design param-

direct radiation

eter in town planning. This factor is also extremely significant in terms of economic efficiency.

• T he location and positioning of structural elements in town planning schemes has an impact on the sunlight situation.

The orientation of main facades and roofs, in particular, as well as the overshadowing produced by topography, neighbouring buildings and vegetation have an impact on the effective amount of solar heat gain.

• In summer as in inter, thermal comfort is better in buildings where the main facades face south. However, southfacing windows require some kind of shading device in summer.

• The o ershado ing of facades is more pronounced on lower floors and in inner corners. Careful attention should be paid to these areas in terms of capturing sufficient sun and daylight.

• The regional climate – e en a distincti e climate of a small-scale area – is an important influencing factor on space heat demand and even more so on thermal comfort in indoor and outdoor spaces in summer.

• A number of principles that ha e been regarded as very important in the past, such as wind protection, preventing the

diffuse radiation

reflected radiation infrared radiation overshadowing by vegetation

overshadowing by topography

b

c

d

overshadowing by neighbouring buildings 6.1

68

a

6.2

In urban planning the spatial determinants, such as the position and distance of buildings, the number of storeys, the depth of the building and the vegetation, have a considerable impact on the energy demand of a residential housing estate. Based on these influencing parameters, it is possible to establish design principles for a compact and/or solar urban design. If the space heat demand is selected as the most important criterion, the parameters can either refer to the heat loss properties of the estate – the specific surface-to-volume ratio, A / V or A weighted /TFA fig. 6.2 – or the amount of heat that can be captured on the estate – the specific solar gain [4]. The application of these principles in town planning procedures must always be weighed with other urban considerations, and any conflicting goals must be resolved.

6.1 Schematic diagram of the sunlight situation in a residential housing estate. The residential housing estate and its solar aperture receive solar radiation in the form of direct, diffuse and reflected radiation. In order to assess the overall situation in terms of solar energy, the radiation received by the solar aperture surfaces must be calculated for each different type of radiation independent of orientation, inclination and overshadowing (e.g. by neighbouring buildings and vegetation). The long-wave radiation exchange is also of significance (e.g. radiation exchange with the cold night sky).

6.2 Abstract residential estate typologies as a basis for energy-efficient urban design studies: a single family home housing estate b detached apartment blocks c linear blocks all with south orientation d perimeter block development

80 70 60 50

Passive House, 20 % window area Passive House, 30% window area Low Energy House, 20 % window area Low Energy House, 30 % window area EnEV, 20% window area EnEV, 30% window area

40 30 20

Annual space heat demand [%] based on south-oriented design

90

160

Passive House Low Energy House EnEV (each with 30 % window area)

150

140

130

120

110

10 100

0 east

north west Orientation

south

a 160

linear apartment blocks detached apartment blocks single-family homes perimeter block development

150 140 130 120

north

east

south

b Annual space heat demand [%] based on south-oriented design

north

160

north west Orientation

linear apartment blocks detached apartment blocks single-family homes perimeter block development

150 140 130 120

110

110

100

100

90

90 north

c

east

south

west north Orientation

north

east

d

south

west north Orientation 6.3

140 120 residential dwellings acc. to EnEV 100 80 60 Low Energy Houses 40

Reduction factor for overshadowing

Design principles of compact and solar building

100

Annual space heat demand [%] based on south-oriented design

The interaction of the above-mentioned influencing factors can be assessed by performing special urban energy studies.

The aim is to draw up an energy balance of a housing estate and the individual buildings while taking into consideration the energy performance of the buildings and the urban spatial conditions of the environment. There is a range of special simulation programs for this purpose, for example GOSOL, which even highlights the potential for improving performance and, hence, the results (form factor, reduced solar heat gain in relation to perfect orientation and minimum overshadowing).

Annual specific space heat demand [kWh/m2a]

formation of cold air pools or the use of fully-glazed buffer rooms, take a back seat today due to the airtight and very well insulated construction of the building envelope.

Annual space heat demand [kWh/m2a]

Design principles of compact and solar building

1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 row of trees block terrace courtyard

0.2 20 0.1 Passive Houses 0

0.0 0

0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 Form factor Aweighted /TFA 6.4

6.3 Studies concerning the energy impact of orientation on the annual space heat demand according to the energy standard of the building, the window surface area and the type of de elopment. Conclusion: it is not possible to make a general statement about building orientation. The energy impact is very much dependent on the boundary conditions. a annual space heat demand of a terrace house estate according to the orientation of the main facade and the energy standard b like a, however, in this case, the assessment of the relative differences is based on southfacing buildings (= 100 %) c relative impact of the orientation on the annual space heat demand for different types of developments with Passive House standard.

The ratio of window surface area to treated floor area is 30 %. In comparison to all other

0.0 0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 Distance-to-height ratio 6.5

facades, the window surface area in the main facade is increased by a factor of 1.5. d like c, however, in this case, the ratio is 20 % and the distribution of windows is equal throughout the facades.

6.4 Annual space heat demand for a variety of building types or buildings with differing form factors according to different energy standards EnEV: German Energy Performance of Buildings Directi e EnEV 2002 LEH: Low Energy House PH: Passive House 6.5 Reduction factor for o ershado ing dependent on the distance-to-height ratio D/H ratio, distance between buildings in relation to the height of the building or vegetation/trees) for a singlefamily home estate, a terrace or road situation, courtyard housing or a row of broadleaf trees set in front of the south facade.

69

0.50 0.45

south, no overshadowing west, no overshadowing south, overshadowing west, overshadowing west, extreme overshadowing

multi-family dwellings

0.40 0.35 0.30

terrace houses

0.25 single-family homes

0.20 0.15

courtyard houses

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Req. average U-value (opaque components) [W/m2K]

0 0.60

Density [FSI module]

Req. average U-value (opaque components) [W/m2K]

Urban design

5.0

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multi-family dwellings

0.55 0.50 0.45

4.5 3.5 4.0 Form factor A weighted/TFA 6.9 south, no overshadowing west, no overshadowing south, overshadowing west, overshadowing west, extreme overshadowing

0.40 terrace houses

0.35 0.30 0.25

single-family homes

0.20 courtyard houses

0.15 0.10 0.05 0.00 0

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3.5 4.0 4.5 Form factor A weighted/TFA 6.10 dense apartment blocks apartment blocks detached housing estate (offset) detached housing estate terrace housing estate courtyard housing estate single-family home estate

4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0 0.6 0.8

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6.9 Required a erage U- alue of the opaque, insulated surfaces (roof, exterior wall, basement ceiling) in order to meet Passive House standard (space heat demand = 15 kWh/m2a) for buildings with different orientations and degrees of overshadowing in relation to their form factor (A weighted /TFA). For further information see [1], pp. VIII – 42ff. The follo ing conditions ere used for the calculations: • U-value of window: 0.8 W/m2K • g-value of glazing: 0.50 • energy-equivalent air change rate nl: 0.08 h-1 • window surface area: 20 % of TFA 6.10 like fig. 4.9, but with better quality Passive House components (windows + ventilation unit): • U-value of windows: 0.60 W/m2K • g-value of glazing: 0.55 • energy-equivalent air change rate nl: 0.06 h-1

72

2.4

2.6

2.8

3.0

3.2

3.4 3.6 3.8 4.0 4.2 Form factor A weighted/TFA 6.11

6.11 Relationship bet een the energ -related form factor and achievable density. These are the results from a study that analysed 1800 residential housing estates with different types of buildings. One of the first observations that can be made is that there is no direct relation between the density and the energy-related form factor. Provided that solar-optimised building distances are applied, the density achieved is low even if very compact building configurations are used.

On the other hand, it is true that high densities can generally be achieved with compact building structures. Court ard housing estates are an exception: despite their low to average form factors, they can achieve densities comparable to those of multi-storey buildings.

For further information see [1], pp. XI–13ff.

Model urban design guidelines Systematic research into Passive House estates has shown that the significance of solar strategies in urban design is very much dependent on the density and compactness of buildings fig. 6.9 – 6.11 : • D ellings and residential housing estates that are neither dense nor compact (single-storey buildings and small single-family homes) generally require a great deal of effort and expense to meet Passive House standard.

Improvements in terms of solar performance (south orientation, minimum overshadowing) are absolutely essential for these building types.

• In the case of d ellings and residential housing estates with an average degree of compactness (multi-storey single-family homes, terrace housing, small multi-family homes), the urban design and energy-related parameters, form factor, orientation and overshadowing, have a considerable impact on costs. However, unfavourable conditions can be compensated for ith justifiable expenditure.

• In terms of the requirements imposed on the building envelope, extremely compact dwellings and residential housing estates are comparable with typical low-energy constructions. Situations with unfavourable orientation and overshadowing can be improved with only a moderate amount of extra effort.

• Thus, Passi e House buildings are also suitable for inner city locations with a high density and unfavourable sunlight conditions.

• As a consequence of the technological advances in the area of Passive House components (windows, glazing, mechanical ventilation units), opportunities for the implementation of Passive Houses in cities are increasing. This is especially true for borderline cases with a fairly low degree of compactness.

Design tool The urban design principles are also suitable to make some first design-related assessments concerning the performance and capacity of Passive House components. To begin with, it is really only necessary to determine the form factor of the buildings and make some rough estimates of the solar situation (orientation, overshadowing). According to this, urban design and energy-related studies are a suitable tool for looking into strategic design issues – also in terms of ensuring cost-efficient developments.

Reference project

Reference project This reference project is designed to illustrate how climate protection strategies can be applied to a specific urban development scheme. Here it is the conversion of the former barracks Prinz Eugen Kaserne in Munich into a new urban district for 5000 residents with 1800 apartments, school and child care facilities, office buildings and a central square with local amenities.

• The proposal is based on the idea of creating a densely built, mixed-use quarter with several development blocks or pockets, which are able to function as independent neighbourhoods (fig. 6.12 a and b).

• The public space and the residential courtyards are characterised by clear urban features with differentiated proportions. The school, as one of the components, is also incorporated into this basic structural concept.

• All buildings meet Passi e House standard. However, the constructional and technical input to meet the energy criteria differs according to the form factor, orientation and overshadowing of the individual buildings (fig. 6.12 d).

• The majorit of buildings face south. In particular, in the case of the less dense configurations with semi-detached and terrace housing, all main facades are oriented south.

• Areas for photo oltaic panels are provided on south-facing roofs.

• Heating is supplied b a district heating system using a low-temperature network (Low-EX). The main network is kept to a minimum by incorporating only one substation per block and then using so-called mini networks. The higher temperature required for domestic hot water is achieved by installing waste water heat pumps (fig. 6.12 c).

• The mobilit concept is based on good public transportation services (tram, bus) with stops at the central square, car sharing services and good facilities to use electric vehicles (bicycles, city cars) in every neighbourhood.

a

b

c

6.12 Urban design scheme for the conversion of the former barracks Prinz Eugen Kaserne in Munich, design competition, architects: Matthias Kroitzsch, Elisabeth Notter, Ale ander Reichmann, Rainer Vallentin a siteplan b urban design /landscape concept c district heating system d Passive House requirements (for conditions see fig. 6.9). The average U-value of the opaque, insulated building envelope of the highlighted buildings is: 0.08 – 0.10 W/m2K 0.10 – 0.12 W/m2K 0.12 – 0.15 W/m2K 0.15 – 0.20 W/m2K > 0.20 W/m2K

The urban design is deliberately not dominated by an energy-based approach.

The successful implementation of climate protection strategies is rather due to the energy performance of all buildings completed according to Passive House standard and the energy supply concept. The solutions applied have hardly any, or no, impact on the urban appearance of the new residential housing district. d

6.12

73

Urban design

Passive House developments The following housing estates illustrate in a number of different ways how the Passive House concept can be incorporated in the design of an urban district.

a

b

a

b

c

d

6.13 Passi e House housing estate in L strup DK 2009; architects: Schmidt Hammer Lassen; construction design: Olav Langenkamp; energy concept: passivhus.dk a photo b site plan 6.14 Passi e House infill de elopment in Fellbach D 2011; architects: Brucker Architekten; energy concept: ebök a photo b site plan with surroundings c model d site plan 6.15 Urban district built according to Passive House standards, Bahnstadt in Heidelberg D 2012;

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6.13

Terrace housing estate in Lystrup (DK) Denmark s largest housing estate designed according to climate protection targets is located in Lystrup near Aarhus.

The development incorporating 32 terrace houses features an urban design with a serial character using very traditional south-facing terrace houses. The buildings have been erected by a property developer using a timber construction method and without basements.

Narrow footpaths provide access to the individual homes; roads and car parking facilities, on the other hand, have been positioned on the site boundary. The development is complemented by a community house, which forms a social and cultural meeting point within the estate.

The tower-shaped elements, accommodating the two-storey-high main living rooms, create a rhythm in the terraces, which has become a very characteristic feature of the development.

Passive House development in Fellbach (D) The Cit of Fellbach bought the site of a former garden centre close to the town centre to develop a Passive House housing estate. Designed to shield the interior space from the main road, the project features a comb-shaped development in the east with a staggered roof line. The short terraces on the west side are slightly offset from the development in the east. The buildings adopt the small-scale configuration of the neighbourhood.

Despite the some hat lo densit , the Passive House estate could be developed in a cost-efficient way using standard solid construction methods.

6.14

urban design concept: Trojan+Trojan, energ concept: ebök a model b schematic diagram c urban design 6.16 Two Passive House housing estates: Lodenareal and Youth Olympic Village in Innsbruck (A) 2009/2011, architects: Architekturwerkstatt dina4, teamk2 architects, Reitter Architekten a aerial view of Lodenareal b Lodenareal site plan c perimeter block development: Lodenareal (phase 1) d detached apartment blocks: Olympic Village (phase 2)

Two housing estates in Innsbruck (A) The largest Passive House housing estate in Austria is distinguished by two different building typologies – a perimeter block development and detached apartment blocks. As a consequence, it has been possible to directly compare the different design approaches in terms of open space and building typology.

The first construction phase (Lodenareal), based on a competition design, did not provide ideal conditions to implement the Passive House concept due to the continuous balconies with integrated loggias and the elaborate ventilation sys-

Completed Passi e House de elopments

5

tem. The learning process triggered by these results meant that the extra costs for Passive House standard in the detached apartment blocks (Olympic Village), in comparison to a conventional development, could be reduced to almost 5 % and thus more than halved.

Bahnstadt Heidelberg (D) Germany’s largest Passive House district with a dense and mixed-use concept is currently being completed in Heidelberg.

The new district Bahnstadt is being developed on the former grounds of a freight station. A new urban layout with blocktype structures has been created by transforming former railway lines into elegantly curved urban spaces and adopting the alignment of roads ensuing from the river Neckar and the city centre. The urban features structure the district and create new visual links to the landscaped park, Pfaffengrund. Public spaces with different functions, sizes and shapes are located at the intersections of the urban fabric.

The energy concept derived by the engineering practice ebök is based on the fact that all buildings are built according to Passive House standard. This has been set out in the property purchase agreements bet een the Cit of Heidelberg and potential buyers and will be monitored by the building authority on receiving the building permission applications, which must be submitted together with energy calculations and documents completed according to the PHPP. The energy supply is provided by a district heating system and so-called mini networks, which are responsible for distributing the heat within the individual blocks.

Because of the high density in the district and the obligation to connect to the district heating system, the network-based heat supply is reasonable and sustainable despite the low heat demand of the Passive House buildings. The acceptance of this energy supply system is being supported by subsidy schemes, information and consultation programmes initiated b the Cit of Heidelberg.

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housing service facilities business park specialised trade

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culture public supplies transportation hub special use

6.15

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Notes [1] Vallentin, Rainer: Energieeffizienter Städtebau mit Passi häusern. Göttingen 2011 [2] Vallentin, Rainer: Städtebauliche Spielräume und Grenzen beim Ent urf on Passi häusern. Protocol Volume No. 5, Passive House conference 2001, p. 29 – 42 [3] Vallentin, Rainer: Passi häuser – Impulse zur Weiterent icklung städtebaulicher Themen. Protocol Volume No. 2, Passive House conference 1998, p. 207 – 232 [4] ibid, p. 210 [5] Twarowski, Mieczyslaw: Sonne und Architektur.

Munich 1962, pp. 107ff.

[6] see note 1, pp. VII – 41ff.

6.16

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Reference buildings – non-residential

University extension Kuchl, A 2009 Client: Weco FH Holztechnikum, Kuchl Architect: Dietrich � Untertrifaller Architekten, Bregenz Building physics: Horst Lukas and Wolfgang Graml, Wals close to Salzburg Building services: Axel Burggraf, Salzburg

2 1

8.15

The extension to the Holztechnikum at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences is intended to present the potential of modern timber construction together with the very best standard of energy efficiency in an exemplary way and thus put into practice the science of timber engineering. Together with the existing building, the three-storey new build forms an L-shaped complex. Fully glazed corridors connect the two buildings at every level.

The elongated, cube-shaped new build appears to float on top of the solid basement storey. Narrow lines and an architectural design that has been restricted to

a few visible elements underline the impression of lightness. Almost the entire building has been conceived as a timber construction. The staircase, which for fire protection purposes is made of concrete, is the only exception. However, its structure is also required to stiffen the new build with the help of the two fully closed end walls. All the main rooms face northeast, whereas the access corridor and the staircase are accommodated on the south-west side of the building. The classroom for drawing on the ground floor is the only room that stretches the entire depth and therefore receives daylight

from two sides. Because the seminar rooms on the upper floors are fairly deep, they are provided with an extra portion of daylight from the wide and fully glazed access corridor through transom windows positioned high up in the interior walls.

The favourable surface area-to-volume ratio of the new build is the key to meeting Passive House standard. The uniform compact structure allows for an uninterrupted layer of insulation with a thickness of up to 35 cm.

Building construction In contrast to the closed end walls made

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University extension in Kuchl

8.15 Site plan, scale 1:5000 1 existing building 2 extension 8.16 View from north-east 8.17 South-west facade of extension; original building is on the left 8.18 First floor plan, scale 1:400 1 library 2 photo laboratory 3 project room 4 seminar room 5 connecting passageway 8.19 Section a-a 8.20 Ground floor plan, scale 1:400 6 foyer 7 classroom for drawing 8 entrance (existing building) 8.21 View from one of the seminar rooms 8.22 View into access corridor

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Reference buildings – non-residential

8.23 Vertical section north-east facade scale 1:20 1 flat roof with overhang: 50 mm pebbles, filter fleece bitumen waterproofing membrane, 2 layers 72 mm three-ply cross laminated timber 60 – 50 mm timber substructure 60/24 mm panelling, white pine, untreated 2 flat roof: 50 mm pebbles, filter fleece bitumen waterproofing membrane, 2 layers 330 –200 mm mineral wool insulation, 1° slope bitumen vapour barrier 240 mm Brettstapel panel 250 mm substructure 50 mm mineral wool, acoustic fleece 15 mm laminated veneer lumber, birch, oiled 3 120/275 – 280 mm laminated timber beam 4 300/260 mm laminated timber beam 5 HEB 240 steel section 6 window: triple glazing 6 mm SSG + 18 mm cavity + 6 mm SSG + 18 mm cavity + 6 mm SSG in 100/100 mm aluminium/white pine (untreated) post and rail facade 7 200/300 mm laminated timber post 8 300/100 mm bracing against buckling, laminated timber with 70/70/3 mm steel section, sunken and screwed 9 window parapet: 8 mm SSG glass element, rear side enamelled 14 mm cavity ventilation, wind paper 350 mm mineral wool insulation vapour barrier, 2≈ 12.5 mm gypsum fibreboard fixed with anti-vibration ceiling hangers 24 mm laminated veneer lumber, birch, oiled 10 floor slab: 24 mm ash mosaic block flooring, oiled 60 mm cement screed, PE foil 30 mm impact sound insulation, mineral wool 24 mm loose sand infill 10 mm separating ply 40 mm laminated veneer lumber panel 100/400 mm laminated timber beam with 100 mm mineral wool infill 40 mm laminated veneer lumber panel 280 mm substructure, acoustic fleece, 30 mm mineral wool 15 mm laminated veneer lumber panelling, birch, oiled, partially hole punched 11 170/60/3130 mm fixed sun shading lamellae, white pine with water drip, glue-fixed M 15 threaded bolt 12 ¡ 80/40/4 mm stainless steel tube, micaceous iron oxide finish 13 ¡ 80/12 mm flat steel, stainless steel 14 4 mm steel flashover protector, micaceous iron oxide finish 8.24 View fron north 8.25 First floor plan with building services, scale 1:400 8.26 Ground floor plan with building services, scale 1:400 8.27 Building data

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University extension in Kuchl

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air supply ducts air supply outlets air extract ducts 8.25

of cross laminated timber, the long sides of the building facing north-east and south-west are almost entirely glazed.

The framed facade, set out in horizontal window ribbons and made of a composition of aluminium and untreated white pine, incorporates Passive House-certified windows with triple glazing. The parapets in between are conceived as highly insulated timber components (fig. 8.23).

An exterior-mounted structure made of horizontal, untreated white pine battens is designed to provide shading for some parts of the glass facade. Even though it filters the sunlight, the view out onto the forecourt can still be enjoyed (fig. 8.17, p. 89). However, the distribution of battens in the facade is based on formal and compositional aspects, rather than the requirements for solar protection.

Unfortunately, the fixed lamellae also reduce solar heat gain on the southfacing facade in winter. Due to the strong winds, the remaining glazed surfaces are without exterior-mounted shading devices. Interior roller blinds have been fitted instead, despite the fact that they are less efficient.

Building services The heating system is run on renewable energy, in the form of wood chip. The heat is distributed exclusively by the supply air, without additional radiators. A mechanical ventilation unit with a heat recovery system complements the Passive House concept. The central unit with a zone and speed controlled mechanism is accommodated in the basement. In addition to filtering the air and distributing the heat, the mechanical ventilation unit, fitted with an evaporation cooler, is designed to humidify the air in winter and cool it in summer. The air ducts are concealed by a suspended, perforated ceiling structure, which also fulfil the acoustic requirements for sound absorption.

8.26 Building data Use Education: University of Applied Science Areas gross floor area (GFA) treated floor area (TFA) thermal envelope area (A)

1886 m2 1510 m2 1633 m2

floor space index (FSI) gross volume (V) A / V ratio

0.92 7940 m3 0.21

0.110 W/m2K 0.100 W/m2K 39 %

wall window: (Uw-value)

0.120 W/m2K 0.850 W/m2K

U-values [W/m2K] roof base slab glass-to-area ratio (glass/TFA) Energy performance data

alternative calculation method

space heat demand primary energy heat provision ratio

10 kWh/m2a 117.2 kWh/m2a 85 %

heat load ventilation system blower-door test 1/h (50 Pa)

16.02 W/m² central 0.6

district heat/biomass –

solar collectors (coverage rate)

–

Heat supply system energy carrier photovoltaic plant

8.27

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Reference buildings – Passive House refurbishments

Apartment block refurbishment Freiburg im Breisgau, D 2011 Client: Freiburger Stadtbau, Freiburg i. Br. Architect: Roland Rombach, Kirchzarten Building services: Ingenieurbüro Lenz, Umkirch Building physics: Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, Freiburg i. Br.

10.14

The 16-storey building in Freiburg is the first high-rise residential building ever to have been refurbished according to Passive House standard. The apartment block was completed in 1968 using a serial construction method with precast concrete elements typical of that time.

Having been in use for 40 years, the building was in need of refurbishment.

The layouts of the large apartments no longer suited the needs of the residents.

Furthermore, the long and narrow, loggialike balconies without thermal breaks were the cause for severe thermal bridges and a lack of daylight in the apartments (fig. 10.19).

It was for this reason that the client decided to totally restructure the floor plans, which meant that the building could not be lived in during the 18-month construction period. All tenants who wanted to return after the modernisation were moved into temporary replacement accommodation.

Now, after the refurbishment, each level contains not six, but nine apartments with improved layouts, but less floor area.

Among these are 30 barrier-free units.

Due to the reduction of floor area and cut in heating costs, the all-inclusive rent per unit is lower now than it used to be before the modernisation. The circulation area in the building has been reduced and the former loggias enclosed so that thermal bridges are no longer an issue and the overall living area has been increased by 900 m2. This has had the effect that the layouts are now even deeper than before.

However, the sanitary and ancillary rooms are located in the inner darker zones; the bedrooms and living areas, on the other hand, are positioned on the window side.

Building construction Due to the high degree of compactness the tall structure is very beneficial in terms of energy efficiency. Nevertheless, 10.15

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