Woonhuis Hertoglaan ‘s-Hertogenbosch

Prioritize integrated systems: When designing a PEB, it's essential to ensure that all technologies (HVAC, ventilation, lighting, energy production systems like PV panels, etc.) are well-integrated. This ensures that energy use is optimized and that one system complements another rather than causing inefficiencies. For example, using natural ventilation in combination with heat recovery ventilation systems can significantly reduce energy consumption.

Invest in energy-efficient, scalable systems: Systems like heat pumps, solar thermal energy, and high-performance insulation are more cost-effective when planned early in the design. It’s important to select technologies that can be scaled up or down based on the actual performance of the building once occupied.

Consider user-friendly interfaces: Complex systems should have user-friendly interfaces that occupants can easily control. For instance, providing intuitive apps or control panels for the temperature, lighting, and other building systems can prevent occupants from inadvertently wasting energy.

Passive design features: We’ve integrated vernacular features such as thick walls for thermal mass, traditional shading techniques like overhangs or brise-soleils, and cross-ventilation strategies that work well with local climates. For example, in hotter regions, we’ve adapted roof designs and wall materials to reduce heat gain during the summer while maximizing passive cooling.

Cultural adaptation: We’ve also designed outdoor spaces that encourage natural ventilation, following local cultural preferences for communal outdoor living. For example, in regions where people enjoy spending time outside in the evenings, designing shaded patios or balconies can help maximize comfort without relying on energy-intensive cooling.

Start early: Certification processes can be time-consuming. Begin the process early, ensuring you understand all requirements from the outset. Being proactive in gathering the necessary documentation and data will help avoid delays later.

Work closely with certifiers: Establish good communication with the certifying body early in the design phase. They can help you navigate the requirements, suggest strategies for achieving certification, and avoid costly mistakes.

Documentation is key: Ensure all energy performance calculations, materials data, and system efficiencies are well-documented. Proper documentation of your building’s design, materials, and technologies is often crucial for passing certification.

Consultants and specialists: We hired consultants for energy modeling and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to ensure that the materials and systems we selected were optimized for energy performance. These experts helped us calculate embodied energy impacts and provided recommendations on how to meet energy targets.

Energy-sharing regulations: One significant barrier we encountered was restrictions around the sharing of energy produced by photovoltaic systems. In some regions, there were regulations preventing buildings from selling excess energy back to the grid or sharing it with other nearby buildings, limiting the full potential of PEBs to be net-positive.

Building code restrictions: Some local building codes still do not fully accommodate newer materials or systems like super-efficient insulation or renewable energy systems, which slowed down our process and required additional effort to justify alternative compliance routes.

Education and onboarding are key: Many residents may not be familiar with the specific technologies or the building’s energy-saving features. Providing clear guidelines during onboarding, including demonstrations or tutorials, can ensure that the residents know how to use the systems to their advantage.

Addressing user habits: Residents often use technology differently than expected. For instance, they may open windows in winter or overuse heating and cooling systems. Designers can address this by offering reminders or suggestions within the building’s interface or app (e.g., notifications suggesting when to close windows to retain heat).

Feedback mechanisms: Incorporate real-time energy usage feedback into the building’s systems to allow residents to see how their actions directly impact energy use. Positive reinforcement can motivate residents to adjust their behavior and contribute to the building’s energy efficiency goals.

Our target was to achieve a net-positive energy balance over the course of the year. The biggest challenges were optimizing the balance between passive solar design (to reduce heating needs) and ensuring that our mechanical systems were efficient enough to handle the residual load. We also faced difficulties in integrating renewable energy systems (e.g., PV panels) to produce enough energy to offset consumption, particularly in winter months.

We engaged several external engineering services for:

• Envelope design: To calculate optimal insulation, airtightness, and thermal bridging.
• HVAC and renewable energy: To design energy-efficient heating, cooling, and energy generation systems (e.g., photovoltaic panels, heat pumps).
• Energy modeling: To assess energy usage and ensure the building met performance targets.

Prioritize high-impact areas: Focus on the envelope and energy-efficient systems (such as insulation, windows, and HVAC) that provide the most long-term savings. It’s often worth investing more upfront in these areas to minimize long-term operational costs.

Embrace local materials: Use locally sourced materials that are energy-efficient and have low embodied carbon. This can reduce costs while supporting regional industries.

Design for simplicity: Simpler designs often result in lower costs. Complex building shapes or overly intricate mechanical systems can increase construction and maintenance costs. Aim for a design that is both functional and straightforward.