Low-Energy House: 5 Reasons Why It’s Worth Building

What Does a Low-Energy House Mean?

A low-energy house is a building that consumes significantly less energy for heating compared to conventionally built houses. This is achieved through high-quality thermal insulation, airtight construction, proper orientation, and energy-efficient heating and ventilation systems. In Slovenia, specific energy classes define what qualifies as a low-energy building and set limits on maximum allowable heat loss.

Main Reasons to Choose a Low-Energy House

1. Lower Energy Costs

The biggest ongoing expense in homeownership is operational costs, particularly heating. Due to its design, a low-energy house is extremely efficient in energy use. Heating energy consumption can be reduced by up to 80% compared to older, poorly insulated buildings. Investment in quality insulation, triple-glazed windows, and heat recovery ventilation systems pays off in the long run.

2. Higher Living Comfort

A low-energy house is not only energy-efficient but also comfortable to live in. Room temperatures remain stable year-round, ventilation systems provide fresh air without heat loss, and airtight construction minimizes moisture and allergens. This significantly improves living comfort, especially for families with children or the elderly.

3. Future-Proof and Sustainable

Low-energy houses follow modern sustainability principles and comply with national and EU energy-efficiency regulations. They contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. Such buildings already meet future standards that will further restrict energy-intensive construction.

4. Higher Market Value

The real estate market rewards energy-efficient buildings. This type of construction has higher market value and is more attractive to buyers and renters. An energy performance certificate showing low energy consumption is a strong selling point and often provides a competitive edge.

5. Access to Subsidies and Financial Incentives

The government promotes low-energy construction through grants and favorable loans. The Eko Fund offers subsidies for heat pumps, facade insulation, and replacement of building fittings. Under certain conditions, it’s also possible to receive non-repayable funds for building or renovating to low-energy standards.

Key Technical Aspects and Advanced Solutions

1. Technical Standards and Legislation

Since 2022, Slovenia enforces technical guideline TSG-1-004:2022, setting energy limits for Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB). These require up to 25 kWh/m²a for heating, mandatory use of renewable energy, and low heat loss. To meet the standard, a blower door test must also confirm airtightness.

2. Heat Recovery Ventilation

Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is a core element. Advanced systems can recover up to 90% of heat from exhaust air, reduce humidity, and improve indoor air quality.

3. Materials and Construction Systems

Recommended materials include those with high thermal mass (brick, concrete) and proven prefabricated systems like ICF. These reduce thermal bridges and speed up construction.

4. Active and Plus-Energy Homes

An upgrade of the low-energy concept are active houses, which generate more energy than they consume. This is enabled by photovoltaic systems and advanced, highly efficient heat pumps.

5. Building Shape and Compactness

Compact house design minimizes the ratio between the building envelope and internal volume, reducing heat loss. Rectangular or square floor plans with fewer extensions require less insulation and help maintain indoor temperature more easily.

6. Use of Renewable Energy Sources

Solar collectors and PV systems allow additional savings and near self-sufficiency. Combined with low-energy design, the entire building can reach plus-energy status.

7. Importance of Construction Supervision

Energy results depend not only on design but also on execution. Architect and contractor supervision must include testing such as blower door tests, infrared thermography, and inspection of all installations.

Where to Start and How to Choose the Right Experts?

Every low-energy house begins with a precise concept design. At OD-DO architecture studio, we offer more than just floor plan drawings. Our approach is based on understanding your lifestyle, needs, and goals.

With concept design, 3D visualizations, and detailed implementation plans, we give you a complete project overview from the early stages. We use BIM technologies that simulate the building’s energy performance, reducing risks and ensuring a predictable construction process.

Interior Design and Energy Efficiency

Interior design plays an important role in the low-energy concept. Our solutions are based on a synergy of functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. During design, we adapt layouts, optimize natural lighting, and consider acoustics and ergonomics. 3D visualizations help investors visualize the interior already during the planning phase.

How Can We Help?

At OD-DO, we offer everything in one place:

– Concept design

– Execution plans with detailed specs and materials

– Construction permit documentation

– Architectural supervision during construction

– Full interior design services

We believe that a low-energy house is more than just an efficient structure. It is a space where sustainability, comfort, and architectural quality meet. If you’re planning to build, contact us—we’ll help you find the best solution for your future home.

For more information about low-energy houses, contact us using the form below.