The residential complex on Maria-Tusch-Strasse consists of six individual components housing 213 subsidised rental flats on a total area of approximately 16,000 square metres. Commercial spaces are located on the ground floor. A two-storey shared parking garage for multiple residential buildings was built on the floors below. One of the building’s special features is that it is thermally self-sufficient, i.e. all the energy used for heating and hot water comes from renewable sources. The building is of course hooked up to the electricity grid. Energy is generated using solar thermal, photovoltaic and hybrid systems (combined photovoltaic and solar thermal systems) and heat pumps. In addition, the waste heat from the parking garage is used to produce hot water and for heating the building using an air source heat pump. A new type of underground thermal energy storage concept was also successfully implemented.
In this building, ASCR is particularly interested in interactions with the residents. 111 households have agreed to participate in the research project. They can set their own comfort levels (desired temperature, ventilation, etc.) using their home control unit. This project was accompanied by a sociological study on acceptance and usability.
Starting in June 2020, the existing underfloor heating system will be extended to include underfloor cooling, which uses underground thermal energy storage, and heat extraction via a high-temperature hot water system.
