ᐅ Window opening options with controlled residential ventilation – planning ideas

After deciding to install a controlled residential ventilation system, my mindset regarding the possibility of opening windows has perhaps changed. I would appreciate hearing about your experiences on this topic.

We plan to design the larger glass areas in the so-called open space with a 1/3 to 2/3 ratio, meaning each would have one hinged door (no tilt-and-turn function); the large window by the dining table would even be fixed glass, while the individual rooms would have at least part of the window as an opening casement.

Originally, I wanted everything to be fully openable, at least to be able to bring in larger items if needed, and especially to ventilate at 150% capacity since I am a fresh air enthusiast. However, with controlled ventilation, fresh air is already supplied throughout the house, so I would essentially just have to change my mindset that used to tell me to open all the windows wide.

This way, I could install significantly more fixed glass, for example in the loft area where I had actually planned an automatic opening for ventilation.

Somehow, I still feel that I should be able to open everything, but that seems to be just a feeling rather than a real necessity.

For example, in the bathroom or even more so in the kitchen, I could install a very wide strip of uninterrupted glass—but then I wouldn’t be able to open the window.

What am I overlooking in my considerations, or what suggestions do you have on this topic?

pagoni2020 schrieb:

From my initial feeling, I wanted to be able to open everything to the maximum, to be able to bring in something larger if necessary, and especially to always ventilate at 150%, since I am a fresh air enthusiast. However, with controlled residential ventilation, fresh air is always already inside the house, and ultimately I would just have to switch the button in my head that previously told me to open all the windows wide.

If fresh air for you is just a mixture of temperature and humidity, go for it. Just don’t forget that you are a human being, not a measuring instrument. You can certainly convince yourself that the air quality is identical by referring to appropriate parameters. From your posts, I see that you are an experienced person in life. Don’t start talking yourself into something.
For me, fresh air is also about scent and air movement. In addition, a room changes acoustically with wide-open windows, and it gives me a different sense of “pressure.” Just think about how differently fresh winter air feels from day to day, how addictive the air is in early spring, and how differently invigorating air often feels before, during, and after rain. Living with mostly closed windows because of a heating system and giving this up voluntarily would not be an option for me.

Every bunker has a mechanical ventilation system for controlled indoor air quality, but as you already mentioned, fresh air enthusiasts need something more advanced, along with windows and doors that can be opened.

Controlled residential ventilation is definitely not comparable to airing out through windows. As mentioned, balancing the temperature is not possible with this system. Also, the effect of suddenly flooding the house with fresh air, for example after cooking or similar activities, is not achievable.

Fixed glazing would never be an option for me.

I need direct access to the garden and have standard patio doors everywhere. I also enjoy this during the summer. And if my husband is working outside on the side of the house, I can reach him quickly.
Remember: they also need to be cleaned. Exterior window panes can be cleaned easily from the inside if the shutters or blinds are fully closed. That way, nothing gets dirty.
Keep the option to feel the "outside." You can ventilate with the controlled residential ventilation system.

ypg schrieb:

I want direct access to the garden, so I have standard patio doors everywhere.

Same for us. In the open-plan area, there are three window sections, each 3.10m (10 feet) wide. The current plan is to have the middle section with the large dining table in front made as fixed glass without any divisions, and to apply the 1/3 - 2/3 split design to the other two sections (kitchen + living area). That would mean two patio doors in the open-plan space, each about 100cm (39 inches) wide. I would prefer the middle part to be a tilt-and-turn door, as I had before, but then the entire front would be divided into three parts… hmm… I’m still considering that. Either way, we would have two doors about 1m (39 inches) wide each. Splitting 3.10m (10 feet) into two parts is less practical, and I’m not a big fan of lift-and-slide doors.

I understand you also only have hinged doors?

Here is the currently planned window arrangement for that area, with the terrace running along the entire length of the house; the wood stove is positioned at the bottom left on the ground floor: