>  GRAND PRIX - 1. PRIZE - Best Architecture of Silesia (a big region of Poland)  - Union of Polish Architects (Katowice 2008)

>  1. PRIZE -  Best Facade Competition (Berlin 2009)

>  NOMINATION by the jury of the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture   - MIES VAN DER ROHE AWARD 2009 (Barcelona 2008)

>  FINANLIST - ZUMTOBEL GROUP AWARD 2009 - among best 20 sustainable builldings worldwide (Berlin 2009)

>  FINALIST  - ARCHI-BAU AWARD 2009 - among 3 best ecological houses in Europa (Munich 2009)

>  FINALIST - Best Houses worldwide Competition HOUSE OF THE WORLD - World Architecture News - among 25 best houses worldwide (London 2008)

>  HONOURED MENTION - SYSTAIC-Competition (Berlin 2008)

>  BEST HOUSES of the last 25 years in Poland - MURATOR (Warsaw 2008)

This simple sustainable house – 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. 

The design of the project was determinated by the twin goals of low lifecycle costs and a reduction in construction costs. All details are simple, but well thought out. The house did not cost more than a conventional one in Poland. Cost-saving were made by the application of traditional building techniques and the use of local materials and recycled building elements. The project was supported by the DBU - German Federal Environmental Foundation.

 Sustainable features of the house:

> Building structure

- compact structure

- optimised percentage outer surface / cubature and optimised orientation towards the sun

> Building materials

- natural and close to home  (short transport routes)

- partly recycled and recyclable

> Traditional timber cladding (larch)

- no chemical treatment

- very low embodied energy

- easy to repair / replace, severable und recyclable

> Passive solar systems

- green house and “black box” for passive solar energy harness

- high thermal mass materials inside

- thermal zoning

- stack effect

> Active solar systems:

- solar heater

- photovoltaics

> Very high thermal insulation

- no heat bridges and windproof

- additional thermal insulation of window frames

> “Green roof” with extensive vegetation

> Loam walls for natural climate regulation inside

> Reduced floor construction (polished concrete) with high thermal mass

> Ventilation with energy recovery

> Intelligent building control systems