Norra Älvstranden Hamnhuset Passive building cuts carbon emissions by 75%

Passive design, active gains

At first glance, the twin blocks of Hamnhuset in downtown Göteborg look much like any modern apartment building. It takes a keen eye to notice the slightly thicker walls, deeper window recesses and absence of radiators.

Thanks to its pioneering design, Hamnhuset is 75 percent more energy-efficient than standard buildings while still offering the standards and comfort expected in newly constructed premises.

The technology is not even expensive. Hamnhuset cost 2.5 percent more to build than a conventional building  – an investment quickly repaid by lower running costs.

Self-sufficient in heating

Instead of radiators and electric heaters, the building gets its heat from solar power, televisions and other appliances, and the heat generated by the occupants.

A heat exchanger maintains a constant temperature of 21°C in all apartments by taking warm air from inside the building and exchanging it with fresh, clean air from outside.

Tenants who want it warmer pay extra to use a small heat battery. District heating kicks in on very cold days to maintain room temperatures.

Thick walls for low electricity bills

As a passive house, Hamnhuset achieves ultra-low energy use through an innovative heating system combined with very high air tightness to minimise air leaks.

Extra-thick insulated walls – 9 centimetres thicker than the conventional standard - avoid “cold bridges” that lead to heat loss.

Low-energy windows are fitted with a sun protection factor to maximise solar gains and reduce the need for cooling during hot weather.

Half of hot water from solar power

Solar panels on the roof provide half of the energy needed to heat the building’s hot water. District heating heats the water when there is a lack of sunshine.

Hamnhuset tenants also have individual metering of hot and cold water and electricity to maximise incentives for energy saving.