Ventilation concept, indoor air quality and measurement results in the "Passivhaus Kranichstein".

The "Passivhaus Darmstadt-Kranichstein" is a 4 unit terrace house with an extremely low total annual energy consumption of less than 32 kWh/m² of living area, thereof about 12 kWh are needed for room heating /Feist 1994/. The determinig factors for the low consumption are the superinsulation, airtightness of the thermal envelope in combination with a highly efficient VAV ventilation system, and an improved window construction. The "Passivhaus" therfore is a typical example of an improved low energy house. The results of a detailed monitoring program allow decisive statements concerning reduction of energy consumption, relief of environement, indoor air quality, and thermal comfort The key results concerning indoor air quality can be stated as follows: The concept of a low energy building with mechanical ventilation system! combinated with low emission materials inside the house guarantees good indoor air quality and thermal comfort at relatively small air exchange rates and very low heating demand.