Row houses in Dronten - Architect: FIER architecten, Nijkerk; Photos: Kasia Jackowska
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site plan
Architect: FIER architecten, Nijkerk

‘Gildenhof’ is one of a kind. Indeed, it is the first project in Flevoland to feature homes that generate as much energy as their residents use. The project initiator is IJsselland Ontwikkeling. As in previous projects, this property developer collaborated closely with FIER architects and Bouwbedrijf De Bruin-Putten. It was ultimately decided to build 29 energy-neutral homes, with a starting price of €169,000. Energy neutral implies that the houses generate at least as much energy as a model family requires for normal residential use.

Solar PV panels are a fundamental component in many energy-neutral homes.

The same holds true for the 29 properties in ‘Gildenhof’, a new residential development in Dronten. Each house is equipped with 23 solar panels. These are essential for the energy supply, yet present a considerable challenge when it comes to ensuring sufficient daylight in the rooms behind them. The construction team responsible for the Gildenhof project turned to VELUX in search of the answer. Together, they devised a suitable solution using roof windows that are seamlessly aligned to the roof-integrated solar panel system in order to guarantee optimal
daylight.

Row houses in Dronten - Architect: FIER architecten, NijkerkArchitect: FIER architecten, Nijkerk

Thom Grevengoed

Bouwbedrijf De Bruin-Putten B.V.

I was also impressed by the way in which VELUX incorporated police-approved “Safe Housing” locks into their roof windows. The result is impressive. In my opinion, the roof could not be any more pleasing to the eye.

Row houses in Dronten with VELUX roof windows
Architect: FIER architecten, Nijkerk; Photos: Kasia Jackowska

Amongst other things, it meant that we had to build properties that were airtight. During the preparation phase, you have to thoroughly consider critical details, such as the airtightness of roof windows, and also test this throughout the process.” Thom Grevengoed, Bouwbedrijf De Bruin-Putten B.V.

“When building energy-neutral homes, all stakeholders must simultaneously harness their individual disciplines in order to achieve the ultimate product. Installation consultant, Breman Hasselt, was directly involved in the project for precisely this reason. With traditional building projects, you work step by step. First the architect does his job, followed by the consultant and then the contractor, etc. The installations are a sort of add-on, so to speak. With energy-neutral construction, the shell and installation requirements determine the actual design, and everything has to be integrated with this.”

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Case study
Architect: FIER architecten, Nijkerk; Photos: Kasia Jackowska

The roof windows were a key consideration in the design. These had to provide sufficient daylight, be seamlessly integrated into the roof-mounted solar panel system, be airtight, aesthetically appealing and also benefit from the policeapproved ‘Safe Housing’ label. Two roof windows per home guaranteed the requisite daylight in the rooms immediately below the roof.

VELUX solutions used in this case
Roof windows
Roof windows
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