Hello 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:
Thanks for your answers. They help very little. You asked about the air conditioning, and I answered. If you don’t want an answer to your question, then please don’t ask it.
Otherwise, the other replies should definitely help, because if your project is so tightly budgeted that a few thousand euros more aren’t possible, then you should reconsider proceeding.
Hello,
I’m not surprised that the architect didn’t include any thermal insulation. For some reason, it seems that architecture students are taught that
So far, I haven’t met an architect who didn’t fit at least two of these three points.
Regarding your problem: be grateful to your energy consultant and buy them a crate of beer. They saved you from a major construction mistake. A room with 18 sqm (194 sq ft) of west-facing windows will be practically uninhabitable for about half the year. Unless you enjoy temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F) in your living room.
Don’t count on cooling through controlled ventilation systems: the air volumes are simply too low.
Cooling via underfloor heating might reduce the temperature by 1–2 degrees only.
You will need a powerful air conditioning system. Roughly, the sun supplies about 1 kW per sqm. Even if you reduce that by 50% due to angle of incidence and coated glazing, you’re still looking at roughly 9 kW. That’s equivalent to a very large wood stove at full power!!
You basically have only two realistic options:
Best regards,
Andreas
I’m not surprised that the architect didn’t include any thermal insulation. For some reason, it seems that architecture students are taught that
- any exterior thermal insulation is ugly and therefore devil’s work
- all physics books are nonsense and the same thermal protection can be achieved with thin curtains inside the room
- and that blackout coverings and similar solutions are complete nonsense because everyone supposedly likes to sleep in a bright room and it’s no problem at all that it’s already bright at 4 a.m. in summer...
So far, I haven’t met an architect who didn’t fit at least two of these three points.
Regarding your problem: be grateful to your energy consultant and buy them a crate of beer. They saved you from a major construction mistake. A room with 18 sqm (194 sq ft) of west-facing windows will be practically uninhabitable for about half the year. Unless you enjoy temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F) in your living room.
Don’t count on cooling through controlled ventilation systems: the air volumes are simply too low.
Cooling via underfloor heating might reduce the temperature by 1–2 degrees only.
You will need a powerful air conditioning system. Roughly, the sun supplies about 1 kW per sqm. Even if you reduce that by 50% due to angle of incidence and coated glazing, you’re still looking at roughly 9 kW. That’s equivalent to a very large wood stove at full power!!
You basically have only two realistic options:
- Exterior shading
- Much (!!!) smaller windows
Best regards,
Andreas
Be glad that the energy consultant pointed this out to you. Otherwise, you’d be back here next summer asking about radio-controlled solar DIY shutters. Now you still have the opportunity to get it right from the start.
We have alternative solar control glazing at the office for work. Even in bright sunshine, it feels like bad weather all the time…
We have alternative solar control glazing at the office for work. Even in bright sunshine, it feels like bad weather all the time…
If you don’t have the budget for roller shutters, a large roof overhang might really be the best option.
Or an affordable canopy in front of the large windows, or an awning.
This is important, even for small or few windows.
Even if no direct sunlight comes through, window openings illuminate the room in a very different way than lamps ever could. I wouldn’t want to give that up.
Or an affordable canopy in front of the large windows, or an awning.
This is important, even for small or few windows.
Even if no direct sunlight comes through, window openings illuminate the room in a very different way than lamps ever could. I wouldn’t want to give that up.
H
hanghaus20004 Aug 2021 20:30Gudeen. schrieb:
Be glad that the energy consultant pointed this out to you. Otherwise, you would be back here next summer asking about DIY solar-powered roller shutters. Now you still have the chance to do it right from the start.I can only confirm this from experience.
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