Insulation solutions for renovating
How to transform a barn into a comfortable and "passive" home
Transforming a rundown 19th-century barn into a home is quite a challenge. Particularly if you also want it to be comfortable, low on energy consumption and environmentally friendly.
This house at Viernheim (Germany) is one of the first "passive" buildings to be completed using Saint-Gobain solutions.
A complex project
It all began with a tobacco barn built around 1850, its walls impregnated with water and salt. The roof was also falling in. The project consisted of transforming this dilapidated structure into a house that would incorporate energy saving measures, respect for the environment and the national heritage. Regulations also impose the use of specific building materials and the respect of the original architectural style.
An "ecological" solution
Each stone of the walls were cleaned, stored and reassembled. An internal, waterproof envelope in concrete was completed and a space was left between the two which was filled with glass wall to provide thermal insulation.
One of the most difficult aspects of the project turned out to be the connections between ground, walls and roofs. The hermetical sealing was carefully carried out in order not to have any heat loss. These were constantly subject to the most stringent quality controls.
An international project
The project called for customised solutions, and drew upon a whole range of Saint-Gobain solutions coming from several European countries:
- The floor was designed by Saint-Gobain Isover Austria (Distansol system). Laid on a metal support, it combines a glass wool insulation and a wooden floor offering excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.
- The Climatop triple glazing produced by Saint-Gobain Glass in Aachen. Its ultra-transparent glass allows the sunlight to pass through without any energy loss. Insulation is further enhanced by the presence of a special gas between the layers of glass.
- The Optima wall doubling system from Saint-Gobain Isover France. Composed of metal studs and plasterboards, it allows insulation for all interior volumes, windows and skylights to be accurately adjusted.
An optimum insulation
Two years later, this extremely comfortable house was completed. And it is so well insulated that simply being exposed to sunlight, together with its internal sources of heat (occupants and domestic appliances), are enough to heat it. This is the principle that makes this a passive house. Air exchange is provided by a double flow mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery.
Almost 10 years after building began, this project has unquestionably fulfilled all its promises. With a living area of 212 m², the annual cost of heating, hot water and electricity is only €350.
