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CO2 Saver House (Poland)

This simple sustainable house designed by architect Peter Kuczia – like a chameleon – blends with its surrounding area on Laka Lake in Upper Silesia. Colourful planks within the timber façade reflect the tones of the landscape. The window reveals, clad in fibre cement, frame images of the countryside. Analogical to the most creatures, the building is outside symmetrical, although the internal zones - according to function - are arranged asymmetrically. The built form is designed to optimise the absorbance of solar energy. Approximately 80% of the building envelope is facing to the sun. The single storey living space on the ground floor is externally clad with untreated larch boarding. Solar energy is gained there by the set-in glazed patio. Solar collection panels are located on the roof and a photovoltaic system is planed for the future. The dark facade of the “black box” - a three storey structure clad with charcoal coloured fibre cement panels - is warmed by the sun, reducing heat loss to the environment. The passive and active solar energy concepts and a high standard of thermal insulation are enhanced by a ventilation plant with thermal recovery system.