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Massive PassivHaus Makes Thick Walls a Feature

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Huge windows pouring sunlight generously from the South and West onto dark floors make this a very modern updated version of the passive solar home.

The Oberen Berg House in Stuttgart, Germany was designed by Alexander Brenner.

The home’s huge massive walls are extremely efficient at insulating the house, while creating an aesthetic that is powerful and serene at the same time.

At nearly 5,000 square feet it may not seem very eco-friendly, but German PassivHaus concepts actually work better with large internal open air spaces.

Over the years, the energy savings could well counteract the extravagance of the material needed to build such a large space.

Indeed, most of the space contained is simply – space. The minimal amount of material is used to define the space.

The extravagance is simply in containing “territory”. The thick white walls and triple glazing on the glass throughout allow for well insulated space.

Under the house, a geothermal heat pump helps the house keep warm through long German winters. On the roof, electricity is supplied by a very large solar system.

Typical German efficiency shapes a very no-nonsense kitchen. The gorgeous view takes precedence over elaborate recipes.

Designed for full use by a young and active family now, the house has been made so that it will be be easily sub-dividable in the future as the family’s needs change, reducing the need to move, which reduces waste generation.

Like the German Huf Haus, chic, large, solar-powered, and adhering to passivhaus design,  this generous and straightforward house is emblematic of a new German confidence in energy efficient living.

Via Arch Daily