Reasons for participating in the competition(s)

​E4 starts with the development of advanced energy concepts as a prerequisite for 2010/31/EU Directive, which asserts that starting with 2020 all the new buildings will have ZERO ENERGY BALANCE. Thus, the so called E4 program - E for Energy, Economy, Ecology and Emotion – was developed as a possible future house model.

The architectural took into account the localization of building into the site and orientation facing the cardinal points and the predominant wind. These decisions contributed to the shape of the building geometry, as well as to the distribution and properties of transparent and opaque elements of the façades.

A major innovative energy system considered in the proposed E4-house design consists in an optimized Trombe wall, known to provide heat by a combination of thermal mass and greenhouse effects. In the original Trombe wall solution, the southern wall of the building – usually made of materials with heat storage properties (thermal mass: bricks, concrete, stones) – is painted in dark colors and has a glass panel placed in front of its surface, at a certain distance to create an air cavity. By greenhouse effect, the wall is heated by convection from the warm upward airflow that is generated through the gap. The present design attempts to optimize the Trombe wall by combining its effects with ventilation. The Trombe wall is placed on the Southern surface of the living room, where the overnight temperature may be lower than the temperature needed for comfort during the day. The energy efficiency approach of the architectural design also focused on the building materials. A key element was the use of recyclable/recycled and/or locally available materials. The design team developed a range of performance measures in terms of the building envelope materials, among which the most important are: High levels of thermal insulation, Additional insulation, Use of metal consoles and 15 cm of extruded polystyrene to break the thermal bridges,Use of intelligent adaptive membranes,Use of energy performant triple-glazing windows and doors.The passive energy efficiency strategies are however limited in their effects for the NZEB concept. Active measures were added to bring their part in the overall energy performance of the building. This included:Two solar collectors that supply heat to a buffer energy storage unit to partially support domestic hot water preparation, as well as space heating. Twelve photovoltaic solar panels were also mounted in order to produce electricity and reduce the carbon foot-print of the house.Low-temperature heating pipes placed underfloor and radiant wall heating/cooling with built-in tubes. A central home automation technology may enable homeowners to control heat, window coverings, lighting, security sensors and cameras, as well as to track comfort parameters in real time or various energy consumptions over times. Such a system inform and educate the users and may lead to a change that experts call in short format „energy bahavior”.

Building candidate in the category

Energy & Temperate Climates

Users' Choice Award