Very Low-Energy House Concepts in North European ... - NorthPass

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low energy residential buildings. Quadruple-glazed windows with a U-value of 0.6 W/m²K, g-
value of 0.45 and daylight transmittance of 0.59 are available. Triple-glazed windows with a
U-value of 0.7 W/m²K, g-value of 0.50 and daylight transmittance of 0.71 are available. In
low energy residential buildings quadruple-glazed windows are rarely used. Windows in low
energy residential buildings are mostly triple-glazed.
Solar shading
Solar shading systems for the east, south and/or west facing windows are often needed to
avoid high indoor temperatures during spring, summer and autumn. The systems can be e.g.
Venetian blinds for installation inside, outside or between the panes. The solar shading is
most efficient if installed on the outside. In some low energy houses the solar shading is
solved with overhangs and/or solar control glazing.
Low energy window
Example of overhangs which also serve as solar shading
for a low energy house. Source: efem arkitektkontor
Doors
Doors should have a U-value of at least lower than 1.0 W/m²K in order to reduce heat losses.
Several door manufacturers sell doors with a U-value, which is better than 0.9 W/m²K. These
are typically used in low energy residential buildings.
Structural frame components: These components should minimize thermal bridges in the
building envelope, and must be used to arrive at a low overall U-value. Structural frame
components, which minimize the thermal bridges are e.g. I-beams of Masonite and wood.
Otherwise a very common solution in low energy residential buildings is multi-layer
constructions.
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