Comfort and energy efficiency versus protection of historical structures. Squaring the circle in a Jugendstil villa in Leipzig.
Renovation solution with efficiency and comfort
With a floor space of about 235 m2, the building is a successful example of how intelligent solutions can be used to transform a disused property into a real gem that satisfies the criteria for a Reconstruction Loan Corporation (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, KfW) subsidized efficiency project without visible intervention in the protected structure. In addition to improved fire safety and noise-proofing measures, a superior living standard is achieved through the innovative energy concept.
In close consultation with energy consultants Preiss and the specialists at Uponor, the building consortium decided to control the building's temperature with various radiant heating system as part of the renovation project.
This meant that part of the historical tiled floors could be preserved. There was no need to create additional installation shafts. In the attic, too, the moisture-sensitive wooden beams are protected from condensation by the radiant heat. This can prevent heat bridges and the associated increased risk of mould.
Surface heating systems Siccus, Minitec and Renovis by Uponor
The Uponor drywall system Uponor Siccus was used on the ground floor and first floor, while the Minitec wet plaster system was used on the wall of the mezzanine. Furthermore, on the first floor, Uponor Renovis was installed on the wall in the stairwell and in the bathroom and on the ceiling in the bedroom. Architect and developer Katja Czogalla chose a ceiling heating system for the attic with the new Renovis renovation system from Uponor. First the existing roof was given an energy upgrade with insulation placed both between and under the rafters.
Measuring approximately 90 m2, the apartment in the attic is heated with 36 Renovis 2000 x 625 mm panels, 14 1200 x 625 mm panels and 14 800 x 625 mm panels.
Following the installation of the substructure and panels, the installers connected the pipes to the ring lines of high-pressure cross-linked PE-Xa pipe, dimensions 20 x 2 mm, using Quick & Easy technology and linked them to the Tichelmann distributor.
After the leak test, the joints between the panels were filled and sanded. Work could then continue immediately on the Renovis elements.
Surface heating reduces energy costs
Because of its low pipe coverage, drywall ceiling heating allow particularly low supply temperatures. When heat is required, the elements in the attic of the Jugendstil villa are operated with a supply temperature of 41.9 ° C and a return temperature of 33.6 ° C. The energy for the building, with a standard heat load of 17.2 kW, is generated by an air-to-water heat pump. Water heating is supported by a thermal solar system.
“Uponor Construction Services designed the system, and we simply installed their design,” said Dale Hicks of Dale Hicks and Associates, LLC. “They have been of immeasurable service to us. I refer Uponor PEX to colleagues all the time.”
All 24 homes in the development feature Uponor AquaPEX® plumbing systems and AquaSAFE™ fire sprinkler systems with ProPEX® fittings in ½" to 1½" sizes. The multipurpose fire sprinkler systems seamlessly integrate into the home’s cold-water plumbing system, which increases the speed of installation and provides homeowners with greater peace of mind.
“Weber Hill Villas is just our latest development, and we will apply a lifetime of work, knowledge and innovation to make it truly world class,” explained Hicks.
