[Treatment/Modifications] Pioneering Housing Development

The "bomenbuurt" development in the Dutch town of Ulft represents family friendly living in a modern, green residential development. Here, young and old alike can enjoy comfortable, and above all, energy-neutral living. For the zero-energy houses in this development - the first of its kind in the Netherlands - architects and engineers developed a strong energy concept, where un-insulated winter gardens act as temperature-regulating thermal buffer zones. They help both to heat the homes and significantly boost energy input. Already, initial tests have shown that a pleasant indoor temperature of 20-25 degrees is possible with outdoor temperatures of minus 4 degrees and sunshine.