Harpenden EnerPHit retrofit

Harpenden EnerPHit retrofit

Challenge

Retrofitting a 1960s developer built house to Passivhaus Plus retrofit standard required intelligent use of mechanical and electrical systems to manage the heating, cooling, shading and ventilation requirements. Particular attention was given to managing overheating risk, as retrofitting to a high standard in an existing building with considerable summer solar gain brings unique challenges.

Solution

Loxone automated shading controls the level of solar gain entering the predominantly south facing rooms. Where there is an elevated risk of overheating. The Loxone Room Ventilation Controller increases air circulation using the MVHR system or dedicated external air intake or heat-pump driven fan coil unit, depending on the outdoor air temperature and dynamic energy pricing.

Loxone provides the ideal platform for integrating smart home control over lighting with building management strategies to optimise Passivhaus living. In our projects where we have worked with Jonathan, we have successfully implemented calibrated the Loxone system to manage ventilation, both MVHR and purge via electric rooflights, shading via electric blinds and solar PV generation hierarchy to ensure that the electricity is used in the most efficient way possible to run heat pumps, supplement hot water, charge batteries and cars before feeding back any excess into the grid. The system provides optimum occupant comfort and allows them to set their preferences in terms of lighting scenes etc, while ensuring the building performs at its best, maximising the financial gains from investing in a highly energy efficient house.

Heather Johnson, Architect | Certified Passivhaus Designer, AD Practice

Products

  • DMX Extension · 100012
  • 1-Wire Extension · 100014
  • Relay Extension · 100038
  • Modbus Extension · 100124
  • Touch Tree White · 100221
  • Miniserver · 100335
  • Audioserver · 100428

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