ALL-ROUND PEACE AND SAFETY
Numerous tests have shown that buildings with a timber load-bearing structure, which are anti-seismic and fire resistant, are among the safest and most durable in the world. Timber – a light, flexible, reliable and strong material – was used, for example, for the foundations of Venice and the Todai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan – structures that have been in existence for over 500 years. Aktivhaus applies its expertise and experience to create buildings designed to last over time.
NATURALLY PROTECTED WOOD
Thanks to their total protection, the timber structures, which are specially treated with natural methods during production and insulated during construction on site, will always be safe from moisture and agents of deterioration.
50-YEAR WARRANTY
Built to last, the structural components of your building are designed by Aktivhaus experts to have a lifespan of least 50 years.
ANTI-INTRUSION
The walls and structures of Aktivhaus buildings are totally safe and burglar-proof. The strong, reliable X-LAM systems used provide a capacity of resistance to break-in attempts comparable to that of traditional buildings. The inclusion of alarm systems and video surveillance will allow you to sleep peacefully.
FIRE RESISTANT
The timber structural elements used by Aktivhaus are treated to resist fire and can be covered with layers of insulation and fireproof materials. Reputable scientific tests show that properly treated and clad timber structures, such as those manufactured by Aktivhaus, are safer than structures made from traditional materials. Timber collapses in a gradual and predictable manner when subjected to fire, unlike steel and concrete solutions; this property, combined with high resistance to heat, enables safe evacuation of the premises.
ANTI-SEISMIC
Aktivhaus timber structures are light and flexible, with high dissipation properties. Thanks to their careful structural design and the natural characteristics of the materials used, they respond positively to shocks and absorb energy arising from the ground. Buildings with timber load-bearing structures are therefore among the safest in the world. This has been demonstrated by a series of scientific tests, including a simulation carried out by the Italian institute CNR-IVALSA on a seven-storey X-LAM timber building built on the world’s largest seismic simulation platform, in Miki, Japan.
TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Creating buildings on a human scale means seeking ever-new design solutions and relying on the use and interaction of various systems. It is first and foremost a philosophy, which is reflected in construction techniques, technological and home automation innovations, and architectural solutions.
SOLUTIONS ON A HUMAN SCALE
To ensure the best results, Aktivhaus uses exclusive technologies and combines them with the four essential pillars of its design and construction philosophy. This approach has allowed the company to establish itself in its field as one of the leading innovators on the Italian scene.
HOME AUTOMATION
Technology at the service of people: home automation streamlines the organisation of all the systems that contribute to making a building comfortable, safe and efficient. It includes control and management of the systems that regulate living comfort, lighting, the management of security devices and the complex requirements of energy generation systems. The integrated operation of all the devices managed by home automation is programmed in accordance with the customer’s needs.
ZERO POSITIVO®
The Zero Positivo® system allows the electricity produced by the devices that use renewable energy sources to be stored and managed. With photovoltaic systems, for example, the energy generated during the day can be used several hours after it has been produced. This provides many advantages, including the possibility of managing peak usage times without having to use power from the national grid. Aktivhaus is the first construction company in Italy to adopt the Zero Positivo® system in passive houses.
BIOSCUD®
Bioscud is a cutting-edge technological solution created and designed to measure, adjust and certify the thermal comfort and stress inside a building.
It consists of sensors that detect all the necessary data and a device that constantly adjusts the systems to ensure continuous wellness.
The parameters are based on ISO standards and guarantee an objective evaluation of the thermal comfort inside the house.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Aktivhaus buildings produce energy self-sufficiently through the latest systems, which can make use of renewable sources: the photovoltaic systems capture solar energy through panels that convert it into electricity ready for use.
Geothermal energy uses the subsoil for energy storage by harnessing the ability of the ground to retain heat: depending on the seasons and the weather, a probe can transfer natural warmth from the soil to the surface or, alternatively, relinquish excess heat to the soil. When conditions permit, Aktivhaus is able to install turbine generation systems to produce energy from wind, hydroelectric systems that use water, and systems to produce energy from biomass.
RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING WITH A HEAT PUMP
Radiant surfaces are combined with an efficient heat pump system that uses a thermodynamic process to increase or decrease the temperature absorbed. This is conveyed to the internal environment through heat transfer fluid in the radiant system to provide heating in the winter, cooling in the summer and the perception of a constant and uniform temperature. It operates at low and very low temperatures to allow extremely reduced running costs.
CONTROLLED MECHANICAL VENTILATION
The controlled mechanical ventilation system regulates the exchange of air between the interior and exterior. It consists of forced ventilation ducts linking the interior spaces to extractor fans (for the removal of stale or polluted air) and diffusers (for fresh air intake). These filter allergens and pollutants and ensure the purity of the air in the rooms. The energy recovery system works in synergy, allowing partial recapture of the energy from the heating or cooling of the air. This is achieved through the use of two heat exchangers: the outgoing and incoming air flows cross without mixing; the flows heat up and cool down reciprocally: in winter, the outgoing air heats that which is coming in, and the reverse occurs in summer.
SOLAR SHADING
The Aktivhaus solar shading systems adjust automatically through sensors connected to remotely controlled motors, to ensure optimum protection from excessive heat and summer light radiation, improve comfort and reduce energy consumption.
AKTIVAPP
The Aktivhaus application allows constant monitoring of living comfort, through functions that include checking the interior temperature and viewing data on the purity of the air.
A GUARANTEED AND CERTIFIED INVESTMENT
From the warranty compliant with Italian and Swiss law to the comprehensive ten-year insurance policy that even covers the finishes: Aktivhaus wagers on its quality and protects its customers. Its innovative approach is reflected in the evaluation of its buildings, which have received awards from the real estate market.
A WORRY-FREE POLICY
Wellness also stands for protection and freedom from worry. For this reason, Aktivhaus signs a ten-year policy with UNIPOL (a primary Italian insurance group) that even covers the finishes. UNIPOL’s esteem and confidence can be seen in the fact that it issues policies automatically, without external technical verification, for buildings of up to EUR 1,000,000 in value. This is also an acknowledgment of Aktivhaus, which, in over 15 years of activity, has established itself as a leader in the construction of highly energy efficient buildings in terms of quality and reliability.
AN INVESTMENT OVER TIME
According to a study by the Scenari Immobiliari Research Institute, highly energy efficient ecological housing is valued at 15% higher than conventional buildings, with peaks of over 22% in the main cities of Northern Italy. This is thanks to technological innovation, comfort and functionality, as well as awareness of investing in a better future.
TURNKEY
Aktivhaus manages all phases of the work. Its experts are able to make your ideal home a reality and take care of all the details. You’ll only have to deal with one person and your house will be delivered ready for moving in.
GUARANTEED AND CERTIFIED GREEN BUILDINGS
Aktivhaus green buildings can be certified by the Passivhaus Institut and meet the criteria of Italian and foreign certification institutes, including LEED, CasaClima, ARCA, ANAB, ITACA and Minergie.
CONSUME LESS, LIVE BETTER
Consumptions of between 65% and 90% less energy than in a traditional house also mean savings on energy bills – such as gas and electricity – and ensure greater environmental sustainability. The collection and reuse of storm water runoff for garden irrigation is the first step towards lower water consumption.