A European Green Home - continued

Click here to return to A European Green Home - part one

A Baufritz Low-energy Eco house

The House

It is a low-energy house that has been designed to maximise solar gain through the extensive glass gable end. In the summer months, the roof overhang keeps the interior cool; in the winter months the effect is reversed with the low sun penetrating to maximise heat from the sun's rays. The PV panels on the carport produce more electricity than is required for the running of the house, which is heated using an air source heat pump. There is also low-temperature underfloor heating. Water is captured from the roof of the house and is channelled through pipes to the eco pond outside.

Wall Construction

The external walls are 400mm thick (as is standard in all Baufritz homes) and packed with Baufritz's patented wood shaving insulation, which is proven to be highly thermally efficient. The wood shavings are made from cut-offs from the manufacturing process so are also environmentally friendly; they are protected from fire, fungus and pests using a natural treatment made from soda and whey. The use of this wall construction also dramatically reduces energy consumption.

The Hartmann House Interior

Baufritz designs each home with windows and doors already in place; the fit is perfect, resulting in excellent airtightness

These thick walls are breathable, which ensures that condensation is removed from the atmosphere faster than it is generated, making the living environment inside the house comfortable and fresh. Airtightness is a crucial factor in any home's energy consumption. Baufritz designs each home with windows and doors already in place; the fit is perfect, resulting in excellent airtightness.

This house is also carbon positive - not just zero carbon - to the extent that each property locks away at least 50 tonnes more CO² than is emitted during its construction and manufacture (including transportation emissions and those from the running of the house for the first 5-10 years). Not bad, eh?

Why it's so Different...

  • Not just zero carbon, but carbon positive
  • 400mm wall thicknesses giving super-low U-values of 0.15
  • Pre-fitted with doors and windows meaning it is completely airtight
  • Natural insulation and sustainable building materials

For the full story on this house, visit Baufritz at www.baufritz.co.uk.

Click here to return to A European Green Home - part one

 

FURTHER READING:

Find out more about building an eco home in The Homebuilding & Renovating Book of Green Homes from Homebuilding & Renovating

 

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