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NordischJung4 Aug 2021 07:26Hello everyone,
I could use a bit of advice or some help thinking this through.
We are currently planning a new build, and the floor plan, building permit / planning permission, etc. are all finalized. We could start immediately if it weren’t for an expensive showstopper raised by the energy consultant.
Due to a slope in the terrain, our living/dining area and the adjoining semi-open kitchen are situated lower. The ceiling height is about 3.8m (12.5 ft). The windows facing the garden are two 3x3m (10x10 ft) ones to the west, plus a large corner window to the east. Now, we are being told that all windows in this critical room require external shutters. Improving the Ug/Uw rating of the windows wouldn’t change this. The window-to-room ratio is about 40%. The fact is: this is not affordable.
Current suggestion: no windows, only a glass door with a transom window above. This means we would no longer be able to look out onto our garden, which is absolutely not acceptable for us.
The consultant is therefore denying the necessary summer heat protection. If it’s only about this critical room—what else can be done?
1) We have a ventilation system installed, with enhanced night ventilation considered. It’s unclear whether heat recovery is included.
2) District heating or air-to-water heat pump.
Are there models that could integrate an affordable air conditioning system just for 2 rooms? That way, we would have a solution for about 15 to 20 days per year. Does anyone have an idea how the cost of this would compare to six external rolling shutters?
We keep hearing only about shutters or “no” windows and just replacing them with a glass door. We feel really cornered.
We would be very grateful for any ideas or suggestions.
I could use a bit of advice or some help thinking this through.
We are currently planning a new build, and the floor plan, building permit / planning permission, etc. are all finalized. We could start immediately if it weren’t for an expensive showstopper raised by the energy consultant.
Due to a slope in the terrain, our living/dining area and the adjoining semi-open kitchen are situated lower. The ceiling height is about 3.8m (12.5 ft). The windows facing the garden are two 3x3m (10x10 ft) ones to the west, plus a large corner window to the east. Now, we are being told that all windows in this critical room require external shutters. Improving the Ug/Uw rating of the windows wouldn’t change this. The window-to-room ratio is about 40%. The fact is: this is not affordable.
Current suggestion: no windows, only a glass door with a transom window above. This means we would no longer be able to look out onto our garden, which is absolutely not acceptable for us.
The consultant is therefore denying the necessary summer heat protection. If it’s only about this critical room—what else can be done?
1) We have a ventilation system installed, with enhanced night ventilation considered. It’s unclear whether heat recovery is included.
2) District heating or air-to-water heat pump.
Are there models that could integrate an affordable air conditioning system just for 2 rooms? That way, we would have a solution for about 15 to 20 days per year. Does anyone have an idea how the cost of this would compare to six external rolling shutters?
We keep hearing only about shutters or “no” windows and just replacing them with a glass door. We feel really cornered.
We would be very grateful for any ideas or suggestions.
NordischJung schrieb:
Fact: That’s not affordable. You can’t be serious, right? You’re building a house with a ceiling height of 3.80 meters (12.5 feet), and now unplanned blinds are blowing the budget? Aside from the fact that something like this should actually be planned from the start with appropriately oriented windows, how do you expect to handle all the other “surprises” that will come up during construction?
An air conditioning system including installation will definitely cost several thousand euros, that’s for sure. It might be slightly cheaper than six roller shutters, but I expect the difference to be minimal.
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NordischJung4 Aug 2021 07:58Thank you for your responses. They don’t help much. We have to build according to the terrain, so only in these rooms does the ceiling height and the associated issue arise.
During the planning phase (architect for designs, draftsman, structural engineer), it was said: no problem at all. It is clear now that we have to do something about it. But 6 roller shutters or venetian blinds have a significant impact. Therefore, we are looking for an alternative option for the verification.
And yes: to avoid unnecessary costs (or things going wrong at the corner), I am asking here. We don’t want to push our buffers unnecessarily.
During the planning phase (architect for designs, draftsman, structural engineer), it was said: no problem at all. It is clear now that we have to do something about it. But 6 roller shutters or venetian blinds have a significant impact. Therefore, we are looking for an alternative option for the verification.
And yes: to avoid unnecessary costs (or things going wrong at the corner), I am asking here. We don’t want to push our buffers unnecessarily.
M
Myrna_Loy4 Aug 2021 08:49I think you simply have no choice. If you want the windows, you will need to provide shading. For that amount of glazing, I would definitely do it to protect the interior furnishings. With more than 20sqm (215 sq ft) of glass, the room will also heat up on normal sunny days – it’s not just about 20 summer days per year.
Actually, you should be thanking your energy consultant. Summer heat protection is often overlooked, and there are frequently questions about what can still be retrofitted to address this issue.
If you want to keep the sunlight out, the only options are small windows, exterior shading (which is much more effective than interior shading), or a large roof overhang that fits the style of the house. Personally, I find external venetian blinds the best solution. On one hand, they provide shading, and on the other hand, they still allow for transparency to the outside. With roller shutters, it’s basically just on or off, or light or dark.
If you want to keep the sunlight out, the only options are small windows, exterior shading (which is much more effective than interior shading), or a large roof overhang that fits the style of the house. Personally, I find external venetian blinds the best solution. On one hand, they provide shading, and on the other hand, they still allow for transparency to the outside. With roller shutters, it’s basically just on or off, or light or dark.
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