Zero Energy Buildings – Design Principles and Built Examples: for Detached Houses

Designing a zero energy building is a complicated task, and in order to achieve good results it is necessary to include knowledge from a range of sources. Therefore, cooperation is required between different professions and between generalists and specialists from the very beginning of the process. The purpose of this booklet is to support the integrated design process and co-operation between different professions. The subject areas are therefore described at a general level, to provide the engineer with an insight into the techniques used by the architect, and vice versa. Additionally, specialist knowledge must be acquired, depending on the project in question. Through a cross-disciplinary approach to architecture and building design, and based on an integrated design process, this publication will:
• introduce a number of design strategies and technologies which are particularly important for the development of zero energy houses. These strategies and technologies are illustrated through simple design principles and built examples
• identify technical and architectural potentials and challenges related to design strategies of crucial importance to the development of zero energy houses
• identify technical and architectural potentials and challenges related to the application of new technologies
• make visible engineering and architectural issues and create greater transparency, providing a point of departure for cross-disciplinary cooperation.