Method 22·26
Using intelligent software and specific building structures to ensure a more effective utilisation of naturally occurring energy from the environment.
A 22·26 building does not require traditional heating, ventilation or cooling. Instead, it retains and utilises the waste heat generated by the people occupying the building, its technical devices and its lighting. Sensor-controlled ventilation panels are used to automatically regulate the temperature and CO2 content inside the building, thus ensuring that the climate is always pleasant – fresh room air and a temperature of between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius, all year round.
However, the combination of specific building structures and smart control does not just ensure long-term comfort; The method 22·26 also lowers lifecycle costs, increases energy efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, proven high-quality materials and functionally neutral spaces enhance the longevity of 22·26 buildings.
Building structure
A key feature is the low U-value of the building envelope, which minimises the impact of the exterior climate on the interior temperature. The compact building structure acts as an insulating layer and storage mass, thereby keeping the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter in an energy-efficient manner. Moreover, the balanced interplay of facades and window surfaces, proportions and geometry ensure that daylight is fully utilised. High-quality materials provide an extremely durable, robust building structure.
22·26 Operating System
The intelligent control system ensures that the naturally occurring energy flows can be regulated and thus used effectively. Sensor-controlled ventilation panels on the windows open and close automatically as soon as certain threshold values are reached inside and outside the building. The self-optimising software evaluates the data in real time so that room conditions are constantly monitored. Dispensing with conventional building technology, the system saves space and expensive maintenance costs.
How it works over the year
Daytime – summer
A 22·26 building is capable of maintaining cool indoor temperatures over long periods of time. The low U-value of the building envelope and multi-glazed windows keep thermal input from the exterior to a minimum. In summer, once the interior heat sources have heated the rooms to the upper threshold value, cooling is provided by means of cross ventilation.
Daytime – winter
The thermal inertia and low heat conductivity of the materials used in a 22·26 building ensure stable room temperatures. In parallel, the waste heat generated by people, devices and lighting inside the building is also effectively utilised. As the need for artificial light increases on short winter days, this provides a timely additional heat gain. When ventilation is required to optimise CO2 levels, room temperatures quickly warm up again as they realign with the building temperature.
Night time
When indoor temperatures are high, especially on summer nights, night cooling is switched on. The ventilation panels open and fresh air flows in to cool the rooms. As soon as the temperature reaches the lower threshold value or the outside temperatures rise again, the ventilation panels close automatically.
Free heat gains
22·26 buildings are designed so that, rather than heating, it is the free heat gains produced by the people, equipment and lighting they contain that guarantee an indoor temperature within a desired range, even when exterior temperatures are low.
* 1 person per 10 m2
