Thanks partly to GRP profiles the dream of the energy-neutral building is now reality with the completion of H2 College, an energy-efficient student residence consisting of 66 apartments in Herning, Denmark.

The residence is constructed on ‘passive building’ principles, with heat consumption per square metre around 80% lower than for an equivalent conventional structure.

The building has relatively large expanses of window with frames partly covered by the facade. The already slender GRP frames are therefore almost invisible. As well as brightening the interior the increased sunlight will reduce the size of the heating bill.

The positive energy balance is attributable to the building’s energy-efficient windows combined with good insulation and well thought-out design.

Also incorporated is a hydrogen plant that can supply electricity via fuel cells, hence the name H2College.

Project participants:
The building was designed by consulting engineers NIRAS and Aarhus Arkitekterne, both from Denmark, assisted by Germany’s Passivhausinstitut Darmstadt and the company ÖHS.

Windows and doors were supplied by Pazen Fenster+Technik and included GRP profiles from Fiberline Composites.