The E4 brickhouse of Romania – a local proved nZEB

Abstract

The nZEB concept, intensively required by the European directives, is intended to include buildings with very low energy consumptions from fossil fuels and it will be mandatory for all new buildings starting with 2021. This paper explores the design stages of a process that meets the requirements of the “E4 program” initiated in Europe by the Wienerberger company for buildings intensively using ceramic elements. The 4 Es stand for Energy, Economy, Ecology and Emotion. Therefore, the paper presents a house in terms of architecture and installations for a healthy, energy efficient, environmentally friendly and affordable home, where ceramic building elements simultaneously stand for increased thermal and mechanical resistance and thermal mass. Energy performance assessment is accompanied by economic analysis and primary energy calculations. Once the building has been completed and occupied by the owner family of 2 adults and two children, the energy use and indoor comfort were monitored for two years. The real energy performance could thus be assessed and compared to the design stage estimate. Results indicated an over-compliance with the nZEB criteria set for Romania. The study reflects the value of simulations at the building design stage and the differences that occur between statistical approach and real building performance.