The PLEIADE Dwelling: an IEA Task XIII Low Energy Dwelling with Emphasis on IAQ and Thermal Comfort.

The major objective of the IEA task XIII project is to design and construct low energy dwellings which should be technically and economically realistic in the period 2000-2010. The design criteria for the Belgian dwelling are the following: - low energy demand for heating purposes; - good thermal comfort conditions, as well in winter as in summer with attention to the problem of overheating; - very good airtightness (n50 <= 1 h^-1); - good indoor air quality conditions; - attractive design for majority of potential clients; - only use of realistic technical solutions. This paper includes a description of the overall design of this rowhouse, special attention being given to the conception of the envelope wit respect to the airtightness. A detailed description of the philosophy of the balanced ventilation system with heat recovery and of the air heating system is given. Results about the seasonal heating demand with special attention for the heating demand related to the ventilation are included. Also an estimation of the air change rates during periods of night ventilation is given (simulations with VENCON) and the impact of night ventilation on the thermal comfort conditions (simulations with MBDS). Finally, an indication of the monitoring plans is given.