Over4 prototype
Solar powered | Passive | Sustainable
From the renovation concept of the condominium, from the vertical extension, we extract a module that will represent the prototype with which we will participate in the competition. We added 2 important elements to it: the terraces on the North and the South, which have both aesthetic and functional roles.
2 floors | 2 terraces | 2 bathrooms
130 sqm total footprint
50 sqm module's footprint
43 sqm ground floor usable are
19 sqm first floor usable area
Over 4 key elements
For the competition we choose a module that meets all the criteria of an energy efficient and comfortable house: a solar powered house, self-sustainable, environmentally friendly, modular and transformable. We highlighted the main 5 key elements that characterize it:
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financially accessible: a passive house that meets all the comfort conditions of the occupant and has an investment cost comparable to a conventional house on the Romanian market;
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comfortable: from all points of view: thermal, visual and acoustic. It is equipped with a heat recovery ventilation system that ensures a constant supply of fresh air regardless of the season and with low energy consumption;
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modular: made of prefabricated elements and wooden structure, it is easy to assemble and could be used in different scenarios, according to the needs of the occupants;
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energy-efficient: complies with the 5 principles of the passive house and implicitly with the zero Zero Energy Building (nZEB) standard;
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reconfigurable: either as a self standing house or as a part of a rooftop module.
Passive House standard - Over 4 basic principles
As far as energy efficiency is concerned, we have been following the Passive House standard starting with the 5 basic principles.
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Heat recovery ventilation system: controlled mechanical ventilation is key, because it allows a good indoor quality with low energy consumption. The efficiency of the heat transferred from the exhaust air to the fresh air should be at least 75% by means of the heat exchanger;
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"Passive" windows: the window frames must be well insulated and fitted with low-e glazings with a U-value of 0.80 W/(m²K) or less; U=thermal transfer coefficient;
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Airtightness: minimising uncontrolled air leakage through construction elements must be smaller than 0.6 of the total house volume per hour during a pressure test at 50 Pascal (both pressurised and depressurised).
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Appropriate thermal insulation: thermal transfer coefficient U <0.15 W / (m²K);
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Reduction of thermal bridges: All corners and joints between building elements must be treated with care and minimised as possible.
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Bioclimatic strategy
Summer scenario
The southern terrace acts as a shading during sunny days, and at the same time also produces electricity through photovoltaic panels. The wooden façade helps to reduce the solar heat inputs and the windows are positioned strategically to provide a "cross-ventilation" or "chimney-ventilation" when the outside temperature is in good parameters.
Winter scenario
The sun is lower in the sky during winter and thus penetrates through the windows facing south. Moreover, the solar radiation heats a black granite plate which accumulates heat during the day and releases it overnight. Also, the wooden façade helps reduce convection heat losses during cold days.
Constructive elements
