Home for Life

Where the electricity meter runs backwards

Location

Lystrup, Denmark

Developer

VKR Holding

Size

200 kvm

Acquisition

Private in 2005

Status

Completed 2008

Architect

AART

Engineer

Esbensen Rådgivende Ingeniører

Awards

Bo Grøn Prisen
Green Good Design Award

Home for Life is the world's first Active House. It is a place where the electricity meter runs backwards, and where the energy, environment and indoor climate work together to create the best conditions for both people and the environment.

Environmental benefits

Solar collectors, solar panels, heat pumps and other innovative solutions make it possible for the house to produce more energy than it consumes. With an expected energy surplus of 9 kWh/m2/year, it takes the house 35 years to produce the same amount of energy used to produce the building materials. In other words, it is designed to give back more to the environment than it takes.

Bolig for Livet Aarhus AART Snitdiagram uden tekst

Sustainable from the inside out

The house is constructed on solid timber, and its facade is clad with natural slate, while the mosaic floor tiles are made of recycled glass, and the windows use energy-saving glass technology. In addition, the window area makes up 40 percent of the total floor area, which is double the area compared to a traditional single-family house.

Healthy indoor climate

In addition to reducing energy consumption, the house also improves the indoor climate and enhances the well-being of its users. Light and ventilation are key factors when it comes to comfort and health, which is why the house makes full use of daylight. Moreover, there are integrated sensors in every room to measure heat, humidity and CO2. And lastly, the facade automatically adjusts to the seasons, bringing fresh air into the house.

With Home for Life, the development of low-energy houses has come a long way. The house is beautifully designed, serving as inspiration for new homes and renovation projects alike.

Erik Rimmer / Editor-in-Chief - Bo Bedre