The project illustrates a design of a NZEB house based on ceramic elements, as part of the “E4” program initiated by the Wienerberger company.
The 4 E`s stand for Energy, Economy, Ecology and Emotion. Energy efficiency is the main priority of the project. It refers to the minimization of energy consumption through the perfect design of a high thermal insulating building shell made of clay blocks. It also seeks ways to use innovative heating and edge building technologies in order to become a referenced nearly zero energy building. For environment, it refers to the intensive use of renewable energy sources. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the use of environmentally friendly renewable energy sources like the sun, geothermal heat or biomass is an important goal of the project. For emotion & health, the prototype house seeks to achieve that unique quality of living guaranteed for many generations. It begins with the realization of individual housing dreams of each family. In addition the concept explores ways to ensure a healthy room climate and a safe home using as much as possible the natural building material of clay products. Last but not least, the concept focuses to obtain an affordable construction and maintenance costs in order to protect client’s budget, i.e. it ensures economical efficiency.
The E4 House concept follows the subsequent development of the major energy efficient building design methods but at the same time pays attention to the cultural background and the regional adaptation of the layout to each context. In architectural terms, the main elements that are crucial to the building’s energy-efficiency are also the most powerful visual characteristics – in particular the components of the buildings envelope. And these elements are also the main factors that bear the marks of tradition and culture, represented by the urban rules and the site context. Based on this, the project focused on the contemporary approach of the pitched roof covered with ceramic tiles, massive brick walls and terraces with possible ceramic finishing, large windows typology, and of the balance of textures and colors, both for exterior and interior.
The house is designed as a compact two-storey building with no basement, suitable to be a home for an average Romanian family composed of four members.
