Aardehuizen-Olst PV E.CO is an ecological housing project of 23 self-sufficient earth-houses with extremely low power consumption and 1 village house in Olst, whereby different aspects of sustainability are taken into consideration. All buildings were built by the inhabitants themselves, via VAON (the association), in the years 2011 – 2014. Aardehuizen-Olst community makes optimal use of local existing waste materials, and natural resources, reducing notably the carbon footprint of residents. Furthermore, the community is equipped with own water supply and sanitation and sewage system. All buildings are designed to minimize their heating needs, by focusing on the optimal use of thermal mass This is achieved by a glass facade along the entire south-facing side of the buildings. The three remaining walls are made from earth-rammed (recycled) tires and backed up by massive earth berms. As a consequence, the interior temperature of the houses is stabilized year-round at approximately 15 degrees celsius without the need for additional heating. During the coldest period of the year, additional heating is deployed via special high-performance wood burning ceramic heaters or other heating installations. Additionally, the thermal mass below ground by floor-isolation is also exploited. A notable part of community’s electrical needs is serviced by many small PV systems, installed mainly on roofs. The total installed PV capacity is 69.18 kWp.
Aardehuizen-Olst PV E.CO
Aardehuizen-Olst PV E.CO is an ecological housing project of 23 self-sufficient earth-houses with extremely low power consumption and 1 village house in Olst, whereby different aspects of sustainability are taken into consideration. All buildings were built by the inhabitants themselves, via VAON (the association), in the years 2011 – 2014. Aardehuizen-Olst community makes optimal use of local existing waste materials, and natural resources, reducing notably the carbon footprint of residents. Furthermore, the community is equipped with own water supply and sanitation and sewage system. All buildings are designed to minimize their heating needs, by focusing on the optimal use of thermal mass This is achieved by a glass facade along the entire south-facing side of the buildings. The three remaining walls are made from earth-rammed (recycled) tires and backed up by massive earth berms. As a consequence, the interior temperature of the houses is stabilized year-round at approximately 15 degrees celsius without the need for additional heating. During the coldest period of the year, additional heating is deployed via special high-performance wood burning ceramic heaters or other heating installations. Additionally, the thermal mass below ground by floor-isolation is also exploited. A notable part of community’s electrical needs is serviced by many small PV systems, installed mainly on roofs. The total installed PV capacity is 69.18 kWp.