ᐅ If Building Again – What Would You Do Differently?

Created on: 29 Dec 2021 14:25
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kati1337
Hello everyone!

I’ve often heard the saying, “Your first house is built for an enemy” — I wouldn’t put it quite that harshly, but after a year in a new build, I understand what they meant. 😀 Since we might move again, I’d like to collect some ideas here and benefit from your experiences: What would you do differently if you were to build again?

Here’s what I’ve noted so far:
  • electric roller shutters
  • thermostats with displays
  • larger storage room
  • less awkwardly shaped rooms
  • dedicated cloakroom area
  • wooden window sills (?)
  • more outdoor power outlets
  • power outlets in window frames

What about you?
Mycraft2 Jan 2022 19:12
Well, something like the house from the recently discussed ARD film. A large open-plan living area with kitchen and a terrace in front. The rest is then one level below.
kati13372 Jan 2022 19:17
Mycraft schrieb:

Well, something like the house from the recently discussed ARD film. A large open-plan living area with kitchen and terrace in front. The rest is then one floor below.

In this context, my husband suggested I look up Coober Pedy. I have to admit, that’s a bit too extreme for me—I do appreciate natural daylight, even if I’m not the typical type. Still, it was interesting to see what kind of housing exists around the world.
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HoisleBauer22
27 Jan 2022 00:31
Mycraft schrieb:

This is not a problem. The solar controller (not the panels) communicates directly with the dishwasher, washing machine, etc., and if these appliances are loaded, they will turn on and perform their tasks.
A follow-up question regarding this somewhat older post: How does this work? What is this function called for dishwashers and similar appliances?
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Smialbuddler
27 Jan 2022 07:50
kati1337 schrieb:

My husband recommended that I google Coober Pedy in this context.
Hobbits!! <3 Finally found the Shire, although the condition looks like after reaching the 5°C (41°F) mark.
Mycraft27 Jan 2022 08:37
HoisleBauer22 schrieb:

A quick question about this somewhat older post: How does something like this work? What is this function called in dishwashers and similar appliances?
This is done with intelligent energy management or demand-responsive consumption control, and so on. You can call it whatever you like. And no, this is no longer a thing of the future but a reality today. There are many approaches now.

To distribute or store the sometimes fluctuating energy from on-site energy generators within the building according to demand and to achieve maximum efficiency, an overarching control system is required to manage the energy supply — a so-called energy management system.

Energy management is a commonly used term to describe the measurement of energy flows, where actions to save energy are based on analyzing those measurements. The core function is the fully automatic regulation of energy flows within the building.

For this purpose, the energy management system monitors the energy demand for heating and electricity of all consumers in the building and controls production devices like combined heat and power units, heat pumps, etc., dictating their operating output. Thermal and electrical storage systems are charged or discharged selectively. Taking weather forecasts into account, it can prioritize which energy generators supply power during specific times of the day.

For example, large consumers are only connected to the grid when there is an energy surplus (such as solar power from the building’s own roof). Of course, it is still possible to operate the devices manually or remotely in the usual way at any time.

Cross-section view of a house with PV roof, heat pump, battery storage, and electric car.
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blubbernase
27 Jan 2022 09:16
Mycraft schrieb:

to operate remotely
Please forgive my amateur question, but how do I connect/control my standard Siemens device with this energy management system?