De Brandis:
Solar Panels on the Roof

Renovation of the residential building "de Banderis" was carried out under the European Thermie-Program for the demonstration of innovative energy technology. It is a national model project for long-lasting and energy-conserving building construction. Thus, ecological aspects were at the centre of renovation.

Residential Building from the 60-ies
At the end of the 60-ies, the so-called ERA-flats were built in Zaanstad. One of these ERA-flats buildings is the residential building "de Banderis" with 384 flats on 14 stories. Originally, the building had 364 four-room-flats. In 1982/1982, 20 flats were remodelled into 40 two-room-flats. Renovation of the building took place end of the 90-ies.

Defective Plumbing Triggers Renovation
Renovation was initiated by the over-aged heating system of the building. Individual temperature control in the flats was impossible; so was individual billing for energy consumption. Hot water preparation before renovation exclusively used the fossil energy gas. Thus, there was a potential for improvement of room climate, dwelling comfort, and energy supply.

Solar panels on the Roof
The extraordinary feature of this project is the installation of a solar energy plant on the roof of the building.

Facade Renovation
Besides the heating system, thermal renovation of the facade was carried out. Approx. 2,600 m2 single panes were replaced by heat protecting glass. Facades, roof areas and ceilings were insulated. In 42 flats on the first three floors, the balconies were remodelled into winter gardens. Vent wings lead air heated by the sun from the winter garden into the flat.

All measures combined allow a 60%-reduction of energy consumption.