Low-energy family house in Zagorje

The low-energy house of Brundula family in Hrvatsko Zagorje (Northern Croatia) was built in 2012 and uses renewable energy source systems – heat pumps and solar collectors for space heating and hot water preparation. The heat pump is installed on the lawn of the house and the installation was co-financed by the Krapina-Zagorje County, which covered slightly more than 50% of the investment.

Given that the family company of Brundula family has been operating in the construction sector for decades, the construction of a low-energy house marked a new phase in the company’s business, but also opened the door to new, sustainable building opportunities.

During the installation of the heat pump, there were no significant difficulties, but since such an installation represented a novelty in 2012, the whole process took longer than usual. The owner of the house points out that the investment in a low-energy house met all expectations, due to the increased comfort, and also due to the use of solar and ground energy, which is aligned with the family lifestyle. Also, electricity bills for space heating and cooling and hot water preparation are low and for a house of 155 m2 , they average HRK 250 (ca. EUR 33) per month. As early as next year, homeowner plans to further upgrade the house and install a photovoltaic system, which will further increase the number of renewable energy systems in this low-energy house.

This best practice is issued from the activities of Work Package 4 “Preparation of instruments for replacement campaigns” of the REPLACE project. Read it now to discover many more best practices illustrating the benefits of innovative low-carbon and renewable heating and cooling systems.