Lohja Housing Fair 2021: Lohjan Saarenta
Lohjan Saarenta is based on the house manufacturer’s model house, which was modified to meet the needs of the residents as well as to fit the plot.
Assigned by Hannu and Päivi Ahokas, Lohjan Saarenta was completed in summer 2021 in the Housing Fair area in Lohja. The house is based on the popular Saarenta model by Lammi Kivitalo.
-Lammi Kivitalo houses can be implemented either based on a fully unique architectural plan or by using the ideas book. We selected a model included in the ideas book as our starting point and modified it to our needs, says Ahokas.
A unique home based on a model house
Ahokas has himself sold Lammi Kivitalo houses for 18 years and is, therefore, well acquainted with the options offered by stone construction. According to Ahokas, the client must and should be involved in the design of a Lammi Kivitalo house from the very beginning. A principal designer should be appointed for the project and professionals should also be trusted in other respects. For example, building technology, such as heating and ventilation, is not included in the package and is acquired through cooperation partners.
-Our situation was exceptional, because I have expertise in heating and ventilation, for example, through my work. For this reason, I had already chosen the solutions before the HVAC designer became involved in the project. In most projects, this is done the other way round.
The heating of Lohjan Saarenta is based on an air-to-water heat pump and ventilation is implemented in a controlled manner by using a Vallox ventilation unit. Ahokas received valuable tips from the HVAC professionals and, in the end, a Vallox 145 MV ventilation unit was chosen from the company’s selection.
Ventilation has a significant role in a class A energy rated house
Energy efficiency was one of the main themes of the Lohjan Saarenta construction project. Energy consumption during use was minimised through careful construction and insulation as well as by choosing energy-efficient equipment. The airtightness of the building affects energy-efficiency, for which reason controlled ventilation plays a major role.
-A good heat recovery efficiency is very significant in this respect. It affects the E factor of the house, which is, on average, 1.0-1.2 kWh/m² in detached houses. We were able to achieve 0.4 kWh/m², which is excellent. This means that Lohjan Saarenta has a class A energy rating.
Energy efficiency gained Lohjan Saarenta an honorary mention in the Green Act competition of the Housing Fair.
Controlled ventilation as part of a healthy house
Ahokas, who has extensive experience in the sale of house packages, knows that today, plenty of attention is paid to ventilation. It is an important part of the construction of and comfort of living in a healthy house. Ahokas has similar expectations regarding Vallox ventilation.
-Good indoor air is a clear goal. Efficient heat recovery and high efficiency of the unit are also important factors. In addition, I expect a certain quality level which has been one of our criteria throughout the project. The fact that the company is Finnish, which is emphasised by the Key Flag symbol, is a bonus.
Learning about the controls after the Lohja Housing Fair
Ahokas will learn to control the ventilation once they move in after the Housing Fair. In Lohjan Saarenta, the MyVallox control panel is located in the large lounge area, making it easy to use. However, the ventilation requires little attention thanks to automatics once the basic settings have been completed.
-The operation of the control panel seems to be easy and needs to be used mainly when lighting a fire in the fireplace. I am also looking forward to testing the MyVallox Cloud service. It strikes me as a handy and nice bonus!
Basic information of Lohjan Saarenta:
A stone-built house, 5 bedrooms + kitchen + sauna + car shelter + storage.
Floor area: 138 m2
Ventilation unit: Vallox 145 MV
Read more about Lohjan Saarenta by Lammi Kivitalo:
https://www.lammi.fi/kivitalo/taloesittelyt/asuntomessut-2021