The building shell or skin is the central element in the exchange between interior and exterior. The façade and the roof are an active component of the energy supply concept: the solar thermal collectors installed as an attic and on the roof areas supply heat for water and heating. Photovoltaic modules in the balcony balustrades generate electricity from sunlight. Behind this simple but clever concept are concealed an elaborate system and a fully developed technology. In part, vertically irrigated trellis elements are hung in front of the garden-like balconies. During the warmer months, the climbing hydrangea planted in it provides shade for the outdoor areas and cools the environment.

PCM curtains

PCM curtains are used in rooms behind the large glazed south-facing areas. These curtains were developed in a cooperative design and production process as prototype for the building on the IBA Hamburg site. PCM stands for Phase Change Materials, which can store and later release latent heat. In the winter months, the curtains absorb the heat of the low-lying sun and release it into the rooms during the night. This increases the thermal comfort along the extensive glass areas. The prototypes will be tested as part of the building monitoring in 2013/2014.

The PC Material is also used as a central energy storage system for the surplus heat from the solar thermal energy installation. The house is also linked to the public supply network and to the Energie Verbund Wilhelmsburg(network). The non-storable surplus from the house’s own energy generation is fed into the network. In long cold periods, the Energie Verbund Wilhelmsburg guarantees the supply of heat to the house. The energy concept is oriented on decentralised supply strategies and makes an important contribution to the gradual change to renewable energies.