ᐅ Construction Project – Ventilation System, Heating – Your Experiences?
Created on: 16 Dec 2019 19:17
N
Nicon1001
Hello everyone,
After researching prefab houses in this forum over two years ago and coming across several posts that introduced me to the option of a solid (masonry) house, we have now decided to build such a solid house. We purchased the corresponding plot in Rhineland-Palatinate this month. We have successfully completed the first meeting with the architect (who was recommended to us by several friends). The meeting was very pleasant, and we were able to present our ideas. The next step is for him to create an initial design, which we will then review to see if it meets our preferences and to discuss any changes we want.
Since I have spent a lot of time in the last two years reading forums and many construction websites, I have come across many opinions and have already asked the architect for his thoughts on some issues. I want to pose these questions to you as well to get some additional feedback specific to my case. By the way, the building project will be a one-and-a-half-story single-family house with a pitched roof and 145-150 sqm (1560-1615 sq ft) of living space, without a basement.
1. We would like to have a central ventilation system. He advises against it due to the high costs (apparently around 18,000 - 20,000) and recommends the traditional use of windows. Is this cost range of 18,000 - 20,000 realistic? I had read something about around 12,000.
2. Regarding the heating system... we would like 3-4 sqm (32-43 sq ft) of solar thermal collectors for domestic hot water. Personally, I would probably have chosen a gas condensing boiler for the underfloor heating. He recommends an air-source heat pump. I have read that these can consume a lot of electricity, plus I wouldn’t be thrilled about even a slight humming noise outside. I’m probably not too satisfied with the gas condensing boiler either. The ground here is heavily rocky (slate mountain range). He considers any drilling into the ground risky due to possible rapidly increasing costs. He also doesn’t favor horizontal ground loop collectors, because they might cause problems with plant roots. Somehow it feels like everything has its downsides. What heating types do you have? What were the costs, and how satisfied are you? How are the running costs?
3. We love the clinker brick look. We would like to cover the entire façade with genuine clinker bricks. He advised us to preferably involve companies from North Rhine-Westphalia or Northern Germany, where it is common and they have expertise. I agree with that. What is the current cost per sqm for clinker bricks? Has anyone recently had this done? How long did it take? Clinker slips (thin facing bricks) are not an option for us.
4. If possible, we want to aim for KfW 55 standard (energy-efficient building standard). With the ventilation system and solar thermal, I think we are pretty well set in that direction. Then there is of course the question of the building material. He recommends monolithic Poroton blocks. But one could also use presumably cheaper pumice blocks if it really is a clinker brick masonry. Would pumice plus clinker be sufficient for KfW 55? External thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS, known as WDVS in German) are not planned. What is the price difference between Poroton and pumice?
If you have any questions, I will gladly try to answer them.
Thanks in advance, and please don’t be too harsh on me.
After researching prefab houses in this forum over two years ago and coming across several posts that introduced me to the option of a solid (masonry) house, we have now decided to build such a solid house. We purchased the corresponding plot in Rhineland-Palatinate this month. We have successfully completed the first meeting with the architect (who was recommended to us by several friends). The meeting was very pleasant, and we were able to present our ideas. The next step is for him to create an initial design, which we will then review to see if it meets our preferences and to discuss any changes we want.
Since I have spent a lot of time in the last two years reading forums and many construction websites, I have come across many opinions and have already asked the architect for his thoughts on some issues. I want to pose these questions to you as well to get some additional feedback specific to my case. By the way, the building project will be a one-and-a-half-story single-family house with a pitched roof and 145-150 sqm (1560-1615 sq ft) of living space, without a basement.
1. We would like to have a central ventilation system. He advises against it due to the high costs (apparently around 18,000 - 20,000) and recommends the traditional use of windows. Is this cost range of 18,000 - 20,000 realistic? I had read something about around 12,000.
2. Regarding the heating system... we would like 3-4 sqm (32-43 sq ft) of solar thermal collectors for domestic hot water. Personally, I would probably have chosen a gas condensing boiler for the underfloor heating. He recommends an air-source heat pump. I have read that these can consume a lot of electricity, plus I wouldn’t be thrilled about even a slight humming noise outside. I’m probably not too satisfied with the gas condensing boiler either. The ground here is heavily rocky (slate mountain range). He considers any drilling into the ground risky due to possible rapidly increasing costs. He also doesn’t favor horizontal ground loop collectors, because they might cause problems with plant roots. Somehow it feels like everything has its downsides. What heating types do you have? What were the costs, and how satisfied are you? How are the running costs?
3. We love the clinker brick look. We would like to cover the entire façade with genuine clinker bricks. He advised us to preferably involve companies from North Rhine-Westphalia or Northern Germany, where it is common and they have expertise. I agree with that. What is the current cost per sqm for clinker bricks? Has anyone recently had this done? How long did it take? Clinker slips (thin facing bricks) are not an option for us.
4. If possible, we want to aim for KfW 55 standard (energy-efficient building standard). With the ventilation system and solar thermal, I think we are pretty well set in that direction. Then there is of course the question of the building material. He recommends monolithic Poroton blocks. But one could also use presumably cheaper pumice blocks if it really is a clinker brick masonry. Would pumice plus clinker be sufficient for KfW 55? External thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS, known as WDVS in German) are not planned. What is the price difference between Poroton and pumice?
If you have any questions, I will gladly try to answer them.
Thanks in advance, and please don’t be too harsh on me.
N
Nicon100117 Dec 2019 05:42Thanks in advance for the previous responses. I will probably try to have a direct conversation with brick veneer contractors since I often read that the lifespan of a brick veneer system isn't the best. The idea of not having to worry about the facade for the rest of my life was very appealing to me.
I don’t think I need a new architect just because he recommends a type of heating that I had essentially ruled out for myself. He said he will handle everything the way I want, but if he disagrees, he will tell me. I actually prefer that over someone who just agrees with everything the client wants.
Regards
I don’t think I need a new architect just because he recommends a type of heating that I had essentially ruled out for myself. He said he will handle everything the way I want, but if he disagrees, he will tell me. I actually prefer that over someone who just agrees with everything the client wants.
Regards
The costs for controlled residential ventilation systems are often overestimated. We paid just under 10,000 euros for ours (NRW, 165 sqm (1,775 sq ft), central unit), and it was money well spent! I would never want to do without it again.
Solar thermal systems are not really worth it; photovoltaic systems are a better option (there are numerous calculations available online).
We have a heat pump with deep geothermal drilling. In retrospect, a horizontal ground collector might have been better (because it’s cheaper), but well… The heating system works and is efficient. Last year, the total electricity consumption for two people—including heating, hot water, and regular electricity—was about 600 kWh. I can live with that!
We never seriously considered an air-source heat pump. If we had, I would have chosen an indoor installation only. The noise from outdoor units can be quite bothersome (though there are differences between models).
Our architect had no experience with heat pumps when we first brought up the topic. He was upfront about that, so I really educated myself on it, partly because I enjoy it. He also benefited from this knowledge but couldn’t provide much direct support. Architects generally cannot offer comprehensive technical expertise in these areas.
As mentioned earlier, while an architect can coordinate a project, the specialists for detailed technical issues are others. If the architect is expected to master everything in depth—structural engineering, advanced electrical systems, HVAC including all new technologies, windows, shading systems with optimal controls—what would they still be able to focus on?
Educate yourselves on these topics and select options that best fit your needs. Don’t decide just because someone said so or because it’s a popular opinion on forums. In the end, you have to live with all your choices!
From what you describe, it sounds like your architect isn’t keen on integrating technologies they’re unfamiliar with (similar to our experience at first). But ultimately, as builders, we are the ones paying for everything. So, you have to dive into the information yourself. If you want to avoid major mistakes, you need to invest time and actively participate in these areas.
Wishing you much fun and success with your project—an exciting time ahead!
Solar thermal systems are not really worth it; photovoltaic systems are a better option (there are numerous calculations available online).
We have a heat pump with deep geothermal drilling. In retrospect, a horizontal ground collector might have been better (because it’s cheaper), but well… The heating system works and is efficient. Last year, the total electricity consumption for two people—including heating, hot water, and regular electricity—was about 600 kWh. I can live with that!
We never seriously considered an air-source heat pump. If we had, I would have chosen an indoor installation only. The noise from outdoor units can be quite bothersome (though there are differences between models).
Our architect had no experience with heat pumps when we first brought up the topic. He was upfront about that, so I really educated myself on it, partly because I enjoy it. He also benefited from this knowledge but couldn’t provide much direct support. Architects generally cannot offer comprehensive technical expertise in these areas.
As mentioned earlier, while an architect can coordinate a project, the specialists for detailed technical issues are others. If the architect is expected to master everything in depth—structural engineering, advanced electrical systems, HVAC including all new technologies, windows, shading systems with optimal controls—what would they still be able to focus on?
Educate yourselves on these topics and select options that best fit your needs. Don’t decide just because someone said so or because it’s a popular opinion on forums. In the end, you have to live with all your choices!
From what you describe, it sounds like your architect isn’t keen on integrating technologies they’re unfamiliar with (similar to our experience at first). But ultimately, as builders, we are the ones paying for everything. So, you have to dive into the information yourself. If you want to avoid major mistakes, you need to invest time and actively participate in these areas.
Wishing you much fun and success with your project—an exciting time ahead!
We have a ground source heat pump (including cooling function) and are very happy with it.
I have now seen that, instead of deep boreholes or horizontal collectors, there are also ground source baskets. This might be an option for you. Advantage: space-saving and does not need to be buried as deep.
I have now seen that, instead of deep boreholes or horizontal collectors, there are also ground source baskets. This might be an option for you. Advantage: space-saving and does not need to be buried as deep.
We have a ground collector beneath the basement, which is quite a special setup. Additionally, we use both photovoltaic panels and solar thermal systems. I find this particularly useful in winter since we generate less electricity then and need it more for other purposes than heating water. The solar thermal system is quite efficient, and since we opted for a large hot water storage tank (1,000 liters), we can store the energy gained through the solar thermal system.
How this will ultimately balance out financially remains to be seen.
How this will ultimately balance out financially remains to be seen.
rick2018 schrieb:
Solar thermal systems are not cost-effective.
Why not? Is it that expensive? My dad has it installed on his roof and is really happy with it. Ok, he’s generally enthusiastic about technology anyway. But he says he gets boiling water from the roof on sunny winter days.
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