Two new buildings offering 40 flats

View from east side © Y. André

Two new buildings with an energy performance 30% above the national standard.

Measures

Inside view: The flats' design stresses the importance of natural light to the detriment of artificial lighting.

© R. Walti

• the design of the buildings' shape and envelope limits thermal loss and maximises passive solar gain
• the appartment layout aims to encourage the use of natural sunlight in order to minimise the need for artificial lighting
• the building envelope has thicker layers of insulation than is required by the legal standard, for floors as well as facades and roofs
• all rooms have controlled ventilation, which allows for optimal comfort in winter, all the while minimising thermal loss. The system consists of a network of double flow ventilation shafts connected to a one-piece ventilation unit with heat exchange. The air flows in through a grid incorporated in the ceiling, and is extracted through the bathrooms.
• the two buildings are equipped with thermal solar pannels that can cover about 50% of hot water needs. The remaining heat is produced by a gas boiler shared by the two buildings and connected to the district heating network.
• particular attention was paid to the grey energy contained in the building materials. Life-cycle analysis was done for some elements, in order to minimise their impact on the environment.
  
  

Milestones

The residents moved in in october 2007 and the buildings are being monitored.

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