ᐅ Too Many Windows for the 2016 Energy Saving Regulations

Ilalei schrieb:
We might have to use wooden windows, fewer windows blah blah blah... ?!?!?!?

@BauBob7 is right! Compliance with the energy saving regulations is calculated using the reference building method. Your planned house is compared to a reference building with the same volume and orientation, and the same number of windows (with the same size and orientation). This reference building has specific U-values and a standard system setup as defined in the energy saving regulations. To comply, your house must have a primary energy demand that is equal to or lower than that of the reference building.

If you omit or reduce window sizes, this has absolutely NO impact on meeting the energy saving regulations. You could even glaze the entire north side. While this increases your energy demand, it also raises the energy demand of the reference building, resulting in no overall change.

If the energy saving regulations are not met, the options left are:

- Different windows with better U-values; the material—PVC, wood, or aluminum—does not matter, as all types are available with Uw-values between 1.2 and 0.6. If you don’t already have triple glazing with warm edge spacers, this should be improved here. Thicker frames as a standard (around 75mm (3 inches)) are generally only necessary for KFW 55 standards.

- More or thicker insulation
If the walls are lacking, but the windows exceed the energy saving requirements, having more windows can actually help!

- System technology: Gas condensing boiler? Solar? Controlled mechanical ventilation? What is the current setup?

- Fire the architect

dertill schrieb:
- Fire the architects

Or outsource the thermal insulation verification to someone who does this as their main profession.

Ilalei schrieb:
we might have to use wooden windows, fewer windows blah blah blah...

Above all: blah blah. The frame material makes the least difference here, and wooden windows are quite expensive if they are any good. Apart from the display window at the bathtub, I actually find all the sizes quite suitable.

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The size or number of your windows is definitely not the issue. In our living-dining room alone, we have over 30sqm (323 sqft) of window area and haven’t had any problems. There are plastic windows with very good insulation properties just as there are wooden windows. Wooden windows would be too high-maintenance for me.

Best regards,
Sabine

Thanks to everyone for your comments!
Now I have to think about what to do next. The most sensible option would probably be to change architects...

Ilalei schrieb:
Thanks to everyone for your comments!
Now I need to decide what to do. The most sensible option might be to change architects...

Yes.
An interior bathroom without a window is not ideal.
The floor plan is interesting, no doubt. But the hallway takes up a lot of space, the broom closet is unnecessary given the large utility room, and having the kitchen open to the front door might cause drafts.
Also, installing a comfortable staircase later when expanding the roof space is not very practical.
I would add a staircase in the hallway from the start so that a workspace, gym area, or storage space can be comfortably accessed later on. It doesn’t cost much.
As for windows, I might consider leaving out one, but keep the floor-to-ceiling ones. 🙂