More than 50 % of the world’s population now lives in cities. Cities cover less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, but generate 80% of the world’s CO2 emissions. Housing alone is responsible for nearly one third of the UK’s CO2 emissions and it poses a huge challenge in reducing CO2 emissions. The Larch Garden is a residential complex in Lystrup, Denmark that saves more than 100 tons of CO2 emissions compared with buildings built in accordance with standard construction regulations.
The Larch Garden comprises 122 homes and it is the largest sustainable and climate friendly residential complex in Denmark. For the project Large Garden 1 was developed which is a completely new energy and environment saving system. It includes the widespread use of LED lighting and Phase Change Materials (PCM) in the form of ceiling panels that absorb heat during the day and release it in the evening and at night.
New heating systems were introduced including wall heating converters, which heat the entire wall surface and cavity heating using un-insulated pipes in the intermediate floor. The buildings are constructed as draught free as possible with high levels of insulation and super low energy windows.
A solar cell facility was erected adjacent to the development’s communal building which delivers electricity to the communal building as well as outdoor lighting.
The houses are all constructed from wood. Wood is an excellent material for use in low energy construction and also makes for an excellent indoor climate. In addition, the building itself is a form of CO2 storage. Fifty of the houses feature floor to ceiling windows which absorb the sun’s heat and provide high levels of natural light. All buildings meet Low Energy Class Standard 1 or 2.
The development is part of the Sustainable Housing in Europe Project (SHE) – http://www.she.coop. The project architects are Herzog + Partner, Munich – www.herzog-und-partner.de
M.HAUS 2010