Environmentally friendly

The design of Elumaja is governed by sustainable use of resources that ensures the efficiency and flexibility of the space division, choice of materials, minimum quantity of production waste and efficient operation.

   


Choice of materials

The most important element in choosing materials for Elumaja is the amount of primary energy, i.e. the amount of energy and emissions used for producing and transport of the materials, the given amount of greenhouse gases and the resource cost during the whole use of the building. We prefer to use little-processed local materials with verified composition and that do not contain components that may be hazardous. Materials of non-local origin (such as air traps and steam traps) are certified by competent European Union bodies to ensure protection of human health and the environment. All materials used in Elumaja are renewable or can be disposed safely.

Main construction materials

1. Construction timber (local)
2. Roofing materials (Ruukki profile steel sheet)
3. Membrane (ProClima / Terve Maja)
4. Woodfibre wool/celluwool (STEICO / Terve Maja)
5. Clay plaster (Clay Processing)
6. Tinted linen oils, pine tar (Amello)
7. Casein paints (Safran)
8. Windows and doors (Viking Windows)
9. Toilet equipment (Biolan, Gustavsberg)
10. Air ventilation (Paul Ventilation, Viessmann)
11. Independent electricity (Futuren)
12. Hot water collector (Viessmann)

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Energy conservation

The interior climate, natural lighting and energy consumption of Elumaja has been modelled by using modern dynamic simulation and spreadsheet computing software.

Annual energy consumption of the base module of 15 kWh/m² complies with the passive house standards and means that electric heating will cost only about 1000 kroons a year. This is at least ten times cheaper when compared with the annual heating cost of a standard modern house.



Energy is produced on site

In case of an integrated solution of zero energy house the key is the low energy consumption of the building. Therefore, the energy need can be resolved by producing energy locally. In our climate it is sensible to add to the independent renewable energy system a secondary backup system, for instance, an internal combustion generator, to ensure the supply of energy to the building at any weather conditions.

The pre-requisites for low energy consumption of Elumaja are:

1. excellent insulation
2. very good air density
3. avoidance of thermal bridges
4. right installation of quality windows that enables passive use of solar energy
5. ventilation with heat recovery

  

Insulation

For insulation we use organic injection wool. The U coefficient of the building envelope with thermal bridges is between 0.067-0.074 W/(m²K). The need for insulation and thermal bridges is modeled and verified with the software of Autodesk Ecotect and PHPP.

Air density

Air density is at least 0.2 times an hour at pressure difference of 50 Pa. Air density is tested during the building process with the Blower-Door test. Air density is achieved by using the steam and wind trapping membrane and, in interior decoration, use of clay plaster.

Structure

The structure of Elumaja consists of an inner and outer timber frame that are linked with diagonal joints and are separated from each other thermally.

Air ventilation

Air ventilation is provided by a highly efficient heat-recovery ventilation device that is certified by the Institute of Passive House.
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Small ecological footprint

The basic module of Elumaja with a total floor space of 45 m² is a compact and efficient housing solution that also has the smallest ecological footprint. The basic module includes a living room with a kitchen, one bedroom, a toilet and shower, a maintenance room and a hall – all that two residents need.

  


Efficient layout

The characteristic feature of the building layout is lack of unnecessary corridors and the location of living rooms for the best use of daily light (minimum daily lighting coefficient is 20%). Special attention is paid to storage areas.

Compact layout of the kitchen and shower area ensure that the rest of the indoors can be used flexibly, for instance, as an open office or for two separate bedrooms.

  

Combinations

All modules can be combined either horizontally or vertically. This means that possible floor space options are 45 m², 90 m², 135 m² or even bigger. In terms of specific location, terraces, canopy roofs and outdoor storage areas play an important part.