Self-contained apartments filled with natural light

In the city of Ermelo, in the Netherlands, a zero energy district has been built. The project of 39 low-consumption apartments impresses with its intelligent solutions and care for the natural environment.

These unusual solutions also enabled efficient lighting of the interior with natural light.

Zero energy buildings

The excellent thermal insulation of the buildings and the photovoltaic system applied to the roofs make this district self-sufficient in energy. Thanks to good wall insulation and FAKRO super heat-insulating roof windows, it is easy to maintain the right interior temperature. This makes it possible to reduce the need for space heating in winter and to cool them in summer. Solar panels, on the other hand, allow apartments to be supplied with renewable solar energy. Residents benefit because they do not have to pay electricity or gas bills. The natural environment also benefits because buildings powered by solar energy do not emit pollution.

Photovoltaic and roof windows?

Each apartment has been fitted with 23 photovoltaic panels which cover practically the entire southern area of the roof. However, the project required the use of skylights near the panels. Appropriate insulation parameters were not the only requirement. The task was to install them in non-standard roofs with photovoltaic panels. FAKRO has supplied specially manufactured fittings for the waterproof and aesthetic installation of roof windows. The FTT U6 windows used here are specially designed for low energy constructions and passive houses. They exhibit excellent energy efficiency performance and applied solutions such as thermoPro technology further increase their parameters.

Solar powered sun shades

AMZ Solar sun shades mounted on the roof windows protect rooms from overheating, creating pleasant conditions for residents during the biggest heat waves. They are compatible with the SMART HOME system. In addition, AMZ Solar are equipped with solar panels, so they do not need power from the mains. By using solar energy and reducing the need for room cooling, they further increase the ecological value of the entire project.