Prix Élégance énergétique

The Äerdschëff, Luxembourg's take on the Earthship, is a nature-inspired self-construction concept that aims to create resilient, sustainable buildings that can operate self-sufficiently, much like a ship on the sea. Developed by the community of the Centre for Ecological Learning Luxembourg (now Äerdschëff Asbl), it has been adapted to the local context with the support of the Ministry of the Environment. Integrated into the natural landscape, it draws on recycled and local resources to be self-sufficient in terms of water, energy, food and waste treatment. The collaborative project encourages participants to share their expertise, while local businesses are responsible for the more specialised aspects. As a place of social and ecological transition, the Äerdschëff offers a variety of educational, cultural and community activities aimed at raising public awareness of eco-construction and permaculture, and promoting a lifestyle that respects the environment.

The fruit of a unique collaboration between four private owners, this innovative architectural project has resulted in the design of a building that stands out for its energy autonomy and its ability to recycle materials. Thanks to its photovoltaic panels, geothermal energy, heat pumps, batteries and hot water storage tanks, the building is 60% self-sufficient in energy. Based on the principles of passive building, the design takes full advantage of exposure to the sun and makes extensive use of natural and local materials to reduce heating and energy requirements. This building, completed in 2017 and achieving AAA+ on the energy performance scale, is a pioneer in Luxembourg as an energy and energy supply residential building.

The Lycée technique pour les professionnels de la santé in Ettelbruck exemplifies ‘’energy elegance‘’ through the successful fusion of sustainable technology and aesthetic architecture. Launched in 2016 by the Administration des bâtiments publics, this pilot project in Luxembourg pushes the boundaries of energy efficiency with a Plus Energy building, characterised by minimal grey energy impact and optimal use of resources.

Despite the simplicity of the building's exterior, the house is tailored to the individual needs of the owners and meets the highest technical standards. Creating a warm, personal atmosphere was essential. The visible predominance of wood as a material gives the house its special character and ensures a sense of well-being. The technology is integrated into the building and is subordinate to this overall concept. A ventilation system with heat recovery and a brine-to-water heat pump with a summer cooling system have been installed. The photovoltaic system, with a capacity of around 15 kWp, provides both domestic electricity and electricity for all the technical installations. The building's performance as a passive house was confirmed by the blower-door test.

In 2021, photovoltaic panels were installed on 2 different south-facing roofs of the house. One roof, with a 30° slope, had 2 solar thermal panels installed in 1994, when the household still needed more hot water, and these were replaced by photovoltaic panels. A roof dormer had to be adapted accordingly. The other roof is curved, so a suitably curved support was installed that would allow the photovoltaic panels to function properly and prevent them from overheating. 35 PV panels, model SOLUTEC Gmbh - Mono FS340, were installed on the first roof.

Decorative casing for the heat pump outdoor unit (= ‘PAC’, type: air/water). A removable wooden construction on castors, allowing access to the unit for maintenance or repair. Maintenance-free construction materials. Energy performance certificate classification: A/B/A (achieved by the end of 2022)

This 1950s detached house has been extended to the front to create additional space for the owner's architect's office. The covered side entrance has two doors: one leading to the new part of the building, where the architect's office can be seen from the street, and the other giving access to the family of four's living space, which opens onto the private garden at the rear. Thanks to the installation of thermal insulation around the entire building, the extension blends in perfectly with the existing structure. The timber façade, which extends right up to the roof covering, reinforces this sense of cohesion. The homogeneous choice of wood materials and black aluminium elements for the windows and doors gives the architecture a sleek, minimalist character.

The cottage is a secondary building that complements the concept of the Kapenaker Haff and allows visitors to spend time in the region. Together with the house and barn, the secondary building creates a typical village courtyard. The 2-slope roof blends in with the village vernacular. The rear roof faces due south, to capture as much of the sun's rays as possible for the photovoltaic system. The aim was to integrate the panels as far as possible into the plane of the roof and avoid the impression that they were a mere technical add-on. The panels retain their rear ventilation while being visually integrated on the roof. In this way, the technology becomes an integral part of the roof and contributes to the overall design concept. The main house and the cottage are heated by a network of geothermal ducts running under the meadow planted with flowers. The advantage is that the technical installation is hidden underground, so there are no noise or visual disturbances such as those caused by air-to-air heat pumps.

This project involved the conversion of a former cafe-hotel and grocery shop, built on Roman remains at the end of the 19th century and listed in the supplementary inventory of national sites and monuments. The project included the conversion of the ground floor into a bistro, while the first floor and attic were designed to provide archaeologists with offices and administrative space, as well as accommodation. In order to improve the building's energy efficiency, the client called in the ‘Kybernetik’ foundation, initiated and directed by Professor-Architect Günter Pfeifer, which developed the implementation of the cybernetics system, i.e. the gain and distribution of energy by and within the same building. This system enables the building to use the heat it produces itself, while emitting zero CO2. Hot air is blown into the building from the polycarbonate panels, which act as thermal collectors. A large proportion is redistributed along the walls with the help of a fan installed under the roof. Finally, the panels also act as insulation, supporting the thermal storage capacity of the walls.

Integrating a photovoltaic system into a single-family home is a challenge that opens up extraordinary creative possibilities. By carefully integrating solar panels into the building and surrounding landscape, we can obtain a harmonious effect where modern technology blends with aesthetics and respect for nature. Through subtle solutions such as photovoltaic tiles, colour matching across the roof surface or appropriate aesthetic placement, we can maintain the architectural integrity of the building while promoting sustainable development and clean, green energy sources. This approach not only enriches the space visually, but also emphasises responsibility for the future of our planet, combining beauty and functionality in a way that inspires and delights.