Sammendrag
Several Nordic countries have a long tradition for timber frame building, especially in small houses, but also in
larger buildings with load bearing concrete constructions, as filled in wooden structures in the main facades.
Therefore, to improve the marked share for Passive houses, it is crucial to develop guidelines for energy
efficient timber frame constructions, suitable for northern climate conditions and building traditions.
Climatic conditions and architectural traditions differ between regions. Hence, it is important, but not enough to
look at solutions in other countries. A lot of “German” or “Austrian” solutions or building materials could be
used in Nordic countries too, but they may be difficult to introduce due to different building traditions. Climatic
conditions between Norwegian average climate and Central-European average climate differs not as much as
most of us think. On the other hand – there are much bigger climatic differences within Norway. The
temperature varies more between mild coast and cold inland than between south and north. In addition, there are
large regional and local variations concerning rain, wind and solar conditions.
The paper will report the results of a research project called “Passive House solutions based on timber frame
constructions”, which dealt with state of the art analyses concerning wooden constructions used in Passive
House projects in Norway, Sweden, Germany and Austria. A literature review of research reports and existing
guidelines are also carried out. The main observations are discussed with regard to different climate conditions
and relevance for the Norwegian building industry. The paper will give an overview of used constructions and
main distinctions between the mentioned countries as well as examples on possible solutions for different
climate conditions, ensuring good indoor climate and avoiding moisture problems.
One observation within the study is that some constructions in Sweden are more different Norwegian solutions
than Central-European solutions are, for instance use of EPS between two layers of mineral wool, or steel
sections in wooden wall structures. Both in Sweden, Germany and Austria, foundation and slab on ground
constructions differs considerably from solutions in Norway. Another difference is that there is little focus on
wind protection in these countries, which is crucial in exposed locations in Norway. And last not least: Exposure
to very much rain and wind some places on the coast in Norway makes it necessary to accept a compromise
between low thermal bridge values around windows and rain protection in such cases. This emphasizes how
important adapted solutions for Passive Houses are.
The project was mainly funded by Innovation Norway. As an outcome, it was developed guidelines within the
series “Fokus på Tre” and “SINTEF Building Research Design Guides”. Basic detail drawings will be shown in
the presentation.
larger buildings with load bearing concrete constructions, as filled in wooden structures in the main facades.
Therefore, to improve the marked share for Passive houses, it is crucial to develop guidelines for energy
efficient timber frame constructions, suitable for northern climate conditions and building traditions.
Climatic conditions and architectural traditions differ between regions. Hence, it is important, but not enough to
look at solutions in other countries. A lot of “German” or “Austrian” solutions or building materials could be
used in Nordic countries too, but they may be difficult to introduce due to different building traditions. Climatic
conditions between Norwegian average climate and Central-European average climate differs not as much as
most of us think. On the other hand – there are much bigger climatic differences within Norway. The
temperature varies more between mild coast and cold inland than between south and north. In addition, there are
large regional and local variations concerning rain, wind and solar conditions.
The paper will report the results of a research project called “Passive House solutions based on timber frame
constructions”, which dealt with state of the art analyses concerning wooden constructions used in Passive
House projects in Norway, Sweden, Germany and Austria. A literature review of research reports and existing
guidelines are also carried out. The main observations are discussed with regard to different climate conditions
and relevance for the Norwegian building industry. The paper will give an overview of used constructions and
main distinctions between the mentioned countries as well as examples on possible solutions for different
climate conditions, ensuring good indoor climate and avoiding moisture problems.
One observation within the study is that some constructions in Sweden are more different Norwegian solutions
than Central-European solutions are, for instance use of EPS between two layers of mineral wool, or steel
sections in wooden wall structures. Both in Sweden, Germany and Austria, foundation and slab on ground
constructions differs considerably from solutions in Norway. Another difference is that there is little focus on
wind protection in these countries, which is crucial in exposed locations in Norway. And last not least: Exposure
to very much rain and wind some places on the coast in Norway makes it necessary to accept a compromise
between low thermal bridge values around windows and rain protection in such cases. This emphasizes how
important adapted solutions for Passive Houses are.
The project was mainly funded by Innovation Norway. As an outcome, it was developed guidelines within the
series “Fokus på Tre” and “SINTEF Building Research Design Guides”. Basic detail drawings will be shown in
the presentation.
