Low-energy house Berlin

In addition to the design, special attention was paid to energy aspects in this new building in Berlin, which achieves the KfW Efficiency House 55 standard. This considers the energy efficiency of a building in terms of primary energy demand and transmission heat loss and is funded by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). This means that the energy that has to be ‘put into’ the building for heating and hot water is assessed and compared with the so-called ‘heat losses’ through the outer shell.

A KfW Efficiency House 55 requires only 55 % of the energy of a reference building that meets the minimum legal requirements of the EnEV (Energy Saving Ordinance).

Design, planning and calculation of the components of this highly insulated and thermal bridge-free construction come from a single source at bfl | Architects and Consultants. Details such as a roof drainage system with a filigree drip edge all around the façade underline the compact design.

This is also advantageous from an energy point of view – the heated room volume is matched by a relatively small heat-emitting external surface.

A glass sliding door separates the spacious areas of the dining/living area and kitchen on the ground floor. This spacious open room has an exit to the south-facing terrace. The storeys are accessed by a staircase positioned on the northern side of the building, which faces away from the sun. There is a naturally lit and ventilated bathroom on each floor.

Invisible, highly insulated roller shutter boxes were integrated into the façade as external sun protection, so that excessive heating in summer is avoided. The heat pump with ground probes supplies the building with heat via the underfloor heating. Through heat recovery in the ventilation system, the energy from the warm used room air can be used to heat the fresh air. The rainwater seeps into a specially designed seepage pit directly on the property.