(An interview by tinealarissa.gr)
As consumers we face great financial pressures due to rising prices. Households are in a difficult position, as a large part of their income ends up on the energy bill.
This situation does not seem to be reversible, with energy prices “locked” at high levels compared to the past. In these difficult circumstances we are now asked on a monthly basis to choose an invoice color and provider. Can this stop bothering us?
Yes, it can, answers us as you will see below, Marios Domoxoudis, NTUA Civil Engineer and certified passive building designer. In 2022, together with Marianna Kaltsa, architect engineer and PhD candidate at AUTH, they founded Domotek Consulting Engineers (www.domotek.gr), an engineering services company that aims to provide technical solutions to problems related to climate change and the new condition that has been created around the energy market.
As they explain to us, in the world of modern construction, energy efficiency and sustainable architecture are central pillars for a sustainable future. The DOMOTEK team are pioneers of sustainable architecture in our city, aiming to create buildings that not only stand the test of time but also contribute to reducing their environmental footprint.
In the following interview, its founders, Marios Domoxoudis and Marianna Kaltsa, share their experiences, challenges and vision for DOMOTEK and the world of sustainable architecture and how it can provide solutions to contemporary problems. And as they themselves say, in passive buildings, the color of the invoice does not matter much.
What made you focus on passive buildings?
Marios: My experience as a civil engineer and my love for the environment led me to look for sustainable solutions in construction. So in 2021 I received the Passive Building Designer certification from the German Passive Building Institute. Passive buildings represent the perfect synergy between architectural excellence and sustainable development and are the way buildings will be constructed in the very near future.
“The annual energy requirement of a passive building for cooling and heating is less than 15 Kwh per square meter, while the corresponding requirement in a new conventional energy class A construction is almost five times that.”
Marianna: I, too, with a background in sustainability, was looking for ways to combine technology with architecture to create buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
What exactly are passive buildings and why do you think they are so important?
Marios: Passive buildings are constructions that achieve extremely low energy consumption. For example, the annual energy requirement of a passive building for cooling and heating is less than 15 Kwh per square meter, while the corresponding requirement in a new conventional energy class A construction is almost five times that. This is achieved with the right design, the use of carefully studied materials and construction methodology. Certified frames and ventilation systems are also used.
Here, I would like to mention that at the end of the construction, a passive building receives a relevant air tightness certification, and its overall performance is certified by conducting on-site measurements, so that we have a guaranteed result.
A key role in the successful, final certification is the participation of certified passive building engineers – designers, such as Domotek in all phases of a project, from design to implementation.
The importance of passive buildings is great, as they contribute to reducing the carbon footprint, energy independence and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
“The role of the certified engineer is crucial in all phases of the project”
You said energy independence. What do you mean;
Marios: When a building’s energy needs for cooling and heating are so low, ie less than 15 kwh per square meter per year, then the color of the tariff matters little. In addition, the costs for cooling and heating can very easily be covered entirely by a very small photovoltaic on the roof, so the building is energy independent from retail fluctuations.
What is DOMOTEK’s philosophy behind passive buildings?
Marianna: At DOMOTEK, we support the creation of buildings that are not only highly aesthetic, but also highly functional. We focus on the principle of sustainability, creating spaces that live and breathe together with their occupants, offering conditions of comfort, hygiene, and high energy efficiency.
“A passive building is not more expensive than a conventional one”
What are your challenges and strategies in constructing these buildings?
Marios: The biggest challenge is the balance between cost and performance. We use the latest technologies and practices to create buildings that are not only efficient but also affordable.
Isn’t a passive building more expensive than a conventional construction?
Marios: After the slightly higher construction costs, passive buildings have significantly lower operating costs. This includes reduced energy costs due to high energy efficiency, less need for maintenance and repairs, greater durability and lifetime of materials. So the answer is no, a passive building is not more expensive than a conventional one. I would say the opposite in the long run.
Can an existing building become passive?
Marios: Yes, for existing buildings there is EnerPhit, a certification standard for the renovation of existing buildings, based on Passive Building principles.
“An existing building can become passive”
What is the future of sustainable architecture according to you, and what are your personal plans in this area?
Marianna: I see a bright future for sustainable architecture. The direction is towards smarter, automated homes that will reduce energy consumption and incorporate natural elements. We wish to extend the company to the development of projects that will encourage social solidarity and sustainable living.
What are you currently planning ?
Marios: One of the projects worth mentioning and concerning Larissa, is a space designed on the passive building model that will be visited by anyone who wants to experience the passive building experience.
As our conversation with Mario and Marianna comes to a close, the impression we got from DOMOTEK is that it is a living example of how modern architecture and sustainable development can not only coexist but flourish together.Through innovation, an emphasis on energy efficiency and a commitment to unparalleled aesthetics, DOMOTEK demonstrates that the future of architecture lies in the balance between man and environment. Marios and Marianna, through their personal commitment and professional path, embody the essence of this path towards a more sustainable, beautiful and functional architecture.
Info: Domotek Consulting Engineers – Ipirou 76, Larissa
Phones: +30 2410 625557
+306945870141
Email: mdomoxoudis@domotek.gr
Website: www.domotek.gr