A major advantage of the method 22·26 lies in its scalability – it can be applied to different building typologies and sizes. Thanks to its flexibility, it also harmonises with a wide variety of architectural styles and construction types
However, 22·26 buildings can only be efficiently regulated by the intelligent control system if the building structure meets certain requirements. The main focus here is on two construction-related physical properties: very low thermal conductivity of the building envelope (low U-value) and a very high storage capacity by means of walls, ceilings and floors.
The sum of the internal heat sources together with the building’s thermal inertia is sufficient to achieve the desired indoor temperature of between 22 and 26 °C, even in the winter months.
Building envelope and structure
Due to the low U-value of the envelope, the waste heat from people, technical appliances and lighting is enough to keep the building within the desired temperature range of 22 to 26 °C, even when it’s cold outside. At the same time, the structure itself stores the heat in winter and the cold in summer and must therefore first cool down or heat up during fluctuations in the outdoor temperature – like a kind of buffer that almost completely compensates for short-term temperature fluctuations. Consequently, 22·26 buildings respond very sluggishly to external temperature changes.
Materiality
The selected materials make a significant contribution to the aforementioned inertia. Natural, time-tested building materials such as brick, wood, or concrete make environmentally harmful insulation materials unnecessary and are themselves easily recyclable.
Space, light and proportions
22·26 buildings are characterised by generous ceiling heights, which increase the air volume per occupant and thereby reduce the need for ventilation. High ceilings also allow windows to be positioned higher up. This ensures that plenty of daylight can penetrate into the depths of the room. In addition, the balanced interplay of facades, window surfaces, proportions and geometry allows the incoming sunlight to be utilised efficiently. This minimises the need for artificial lighting and thus lowers overall energy consumption.
Hardly any hardware
By dispensing with traditional heating, cooling and ventilation systems – including their complex infrastructure – there is no need for refurbishment work or regular replacement and maintenance of these systems. Additionally, in 22·26 buildings, neither separate plant rooms nor suspended ceilings are needed, which in turn allows greater ceiling heights and enables more efficient use of space. The only necessary hardware is motorised ventilation flaps on the windows, a central server and a weather station on the roof.
