German Architecture Award 2017

The German Architecture Prize is awarded to buildings that are "exemplary for the development of building in the present day". 60,000 euros in prize money are available.

Submission: 31.03.2017
Competition achievements:
The German Architecture Award is intended to recognise buildings that are exemplary for the development of building in the present. They should demonstrate a special architectural quality or exemplary handling of the renovation and modernisation of historical buildings, be committed to sustainable building in ecological, economic and socio-cultural terms and make a positive contribution to the design of public space. Eligible for submission to the German Architecture Award 2017 are buildings or building ensembles that were erected between 1 January 2015 and 31 January 2017 in Germany or abroad on behalf of or predominantly with funds provided by the Federal Republic of Germany.
Link
www.bbr.bund.de/...Architekturpreis_node.html

Keywords: Contests & Prizes, Aesthetics / Architecture / Building Culture

Published 1 August 2017

Stadtwerke Herne builds energy self-sufficient settlement with redox flow storage system

Stadtwerke Herne is planning to build a climate-friendly and car-free housing estate with an innovative energy concept in Sodingen: seven detached single-family homes are being built in Baueracker, which will be largely self-sufficient in terms of energy. The building permit is expected before the end of this year. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for early 2018. The first families are expected to move in in February 2019.

Whether heating, electricity or hot water - the houses are to produce almost all the energy they need themselves from renewable sources. A large photovoltaic system on each roof and a battery storage system are the basis for this. Geothermal and air-source heat pumps are combined with these. The result is a variety of energy concepts developed by Smart-Tec, the municipal utility's heating service. Smart-Tec also supplies the technology and ensures smooth operation.

PV power: 70 kW_p

At the heart of the project is a new type of electricity storage, the so-called redox flow battery. It has extremely low energy losses and can be recharged almost indefinitely. "This concept is unique in Germany," knows Stephan Becker, who is responsible for the project at the municipal utility. This is why the construction project also successfully qualified for the "EnergyEnvironmentEconomy.NRW" lead market competition organized by the state and the EU. Fraunhofer UMSICHT is providing scientific support.

In addition to the energy concept, car-free living is also a special feature in Herne. Cars are parked outside the settlement in a solar garage. "This makes the settlement safe and child-friendly, and there is also nothing to prevent the purchase of an electric car," Becker continues.

Construction/building materials: heated full basement, timber frame construction, 100 % styrofoam-free
Architect's office AGIS

The detached single-family homes have a living area of around 120 square meters. The plot size starts at 215 square meters. Building-willing can announce themselves already now under telephone 02323/592-315 or autark-wohnen@stadtwerke-herne.de apply, as a large response is expected. Detailed information will be available after the summer holidays.

Link with photo:
https://klimaviertel.stadtwerke-herne.de/

Keywords:
Energy storage, News Blog NRW, PV, PlusEnergy house/settlement, Settlements

Entry into the general PV obligation for new buildings

Above all, he said, the agreement on mandatory PV was groundbreaking. "We are the first state to install solar as standard on new non-residential buildings. This is innovative and courageous. It makes building modern and climate protection a matter of course."

In the non-residential sector, for example on warehouses and production halls or car parks, there is enormous potential, said Untersteller. These roof surfaces are made for large systems.

Untersteller sees the PV obligation on non-residential buildings as an introduction to a general PV obligation for new buildings, which he believes must come in the next few years. "Not only in Baden-Württemberg," says Untersteller.

Apart from the boost for solar energy and climate protection, the PV obligation will also secure and create jobs.

Municipal heat planning

Another key element in the new climate protection law will be municipal heating planning, Untersteller continued. The approximately 100 large cities and municipalities, in which about half of the people in Baden-Württemberg live, will be obliged by the law to submit a comprehensive heating plan. "On the basis of such planning, a lot will move and can be moved in the municipalities in the direction of renewable heat. For example, innovative neighbourhood concepts or the expansion of heating networks will make progress," said Untersteller. The costs for the planning will be borne by the state.

"The amendment to the Climate Protection Act will move Baden-Württemberg forward," the Environment Minister affirmed. "We are continuing to develop our climate protection policy and are thus fulfilling our obligation to future generations."

Source: PM of the Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Energy Management Baden-Württemberg from 13.05.2020