Class1 - Results and Experiences Page 15

3. New dwellings Design, Construction and Monitoring

3.1. Design- restrictions and guidelines

This section deals with the formulation of the restrictions/guidelines regarding new dwellings. The
guidelines cover the following topics:

1. The thermal envelope
2. Airtightness
3. The heating systems
4. Good indoor environmental quality
5. Thermal comfort
6. Daylighting and visual comfort

The following is an example for guidelines concerning low energy buildings, planning and designing phases

Building

Involve both architect and engineer from the start of the project
Use a compact and simple building shape (e.g. without dormers)

Concentrate rooms with technical installations

Remember space for ventilation ducts
Prevent thermal bridging in constructions by using airtight constructions
Plan to use solar thermal heating for domestic hot water and for space heating, if possible
Decide insulation level so that the demand for heating and ventilation is the lowest possible
Calculate an energy frame and check it for compliance with the building regulations
Optimise the window constructions taking into consideration type, size, frame and shadowed areas
Large window areas should face south as a main rule
Calculate the dimensioning transmission loss and check it for compliance with the building regulations

Use the shortest possible pipe lengths (for both cold and hot water and drain) and effective insulation of
installations e.g. pipes, hot-water tank plus boiler