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Below we present two examples of building strategies. Their shared features are minimal energy consumption together with real comfort for residents.

Passive house

„Schiestlhaus" – first high-alpine passive house (source: Michael Schmid; http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schiestlhaus_Jul2007.jpg#/media/File:Schiestlhaus_Jul2007.jpg)

There are two main objectives in building a passive house:

1. The building should be constructed in such a way that a highly efficient building envelope results, and energy consumption is covered with renewable sources as far as possible, at maximum cost efficiency.
2. The building should offer residents real comfort in the home.

The following passive-house components form the basis for this:

• Building envelope with high-grade insulation
• Windows with high-grade triple glazing and insulated frames. Larger window openings in the south façade, smaller windows facing east and west, and very small windows facing north (or none at all)
• Overshadowing windows to protect against overheating in summer
• Minimizing/eliminating thermal bridges
• Airtight building envelope
• Ventilation system with heat recovery
• The heating system in a passive house can be a biomass stove or a heat pump
• The annual heating energy requirement must not exceed 15 kWh/m²a
• Total primary energy input must not exceed 120 kWh/m²a

Passive house with a supply air/extract air system with heat recovery (source: Passivhaus Institut; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Passive_house_scheme_1.svg, adapted)