Germany’s first “Effizienzhaus Plus” (high-efficiency home plus) housing estate is located in the Hügelshart district of Friedberg to the east of Augsburg. The model project implemented by asset bauen wohnen gmbh in cooperation with the building materials division of BayWa AG is a ground-breaking example of high energy efficiency, healthy and economical building. The nine detached and four-semi detached homes each generate more energy per year than their inhabitants will use on average and have been consistently constructed in accordance with the criteria for a healthy living environment.

Low-pollutant construction materials for a feeling of well-being
As the envelopes of buildings are more and more tightly sealed, the selection of construction materials with no adverse impact on health and the proper use of these materials are becoming more important than ever before. To ensure a healthy living atmosphere and a feeling of well-being in the homes forming part of the “Effizienzhaus Plus” development, only tested low-pollutant construction materials were used in the interiors. In all the homes, tiles were laid solely using very low-emission products from PCI of Augsburg.

Tightly sealed substrates

Tiling work in the housing estate was carried out by D&L Fliesen GmbH of Augsburg. Initially, the craftsmen thoroughly prepared the substrate by applying PCI Gisogrund primer. A water-proof protective layer of PCI Lastogum was then applied in the bathrooms. This product reliably protects moisture-sensitive substrates. At the same time, its deformation properties compensate for stresses. The solvent-free protective layer is ideally suited for use with underfloor heating. “PCI Lastogum is a very convenient product. It is supplied ready for use and can be used without any problems. The waterproofing layer can be applied using rollers, brushes or trowels,” Jens Dachwald, Managing Director of D&L Fliesen, explains. Thanks to its resistance to lime solutions, PCI Lastogum ensures effective bonding between the waterproofing layer and the tile adhesive even if the adhesive bed is continuously soaked with moisture. Corner and connecting joints, inside and outside corners, pipe entries and floor drains were sealed using PCI Pecitape waterproofing tapes, collars and corner fittings. The tilers waterproofed the showers effectively with PCI Seccoral 1K. The flexible waterproofing slurry hardens without cracking and also bridges cracks which may occur later in the substrate.

Low-pollutant tile laying

”We chose PCI FT Extra adhesive for laying all ceramic tiling in the interiors,” says PCI adviser Raphael Schober, who provided support for tiling from the planning through to the implementation stage and selected products in close cooperation with the project owner and the tiling contractor. The polymer-modified adhesive features very good moistening properties and is therefore also very well-suited for laying fully vitrified tiles. The adhesive has a smooth consistency as well as good anti-sagging properties that ensure immediate bonding. Nevertheless, the positioning of the tiles can still be corrected. No wedging is needed. The tiles were then grouted with PCI Nanofug Premium multi-use flexible joint grout. With its working time of about 40 minutes, the premium joint grout is very convenient to use and sets rapidly without hardening on the tile surface. The fine surface consistency and brilliant colours make for very attractive joints which can be cleaned without any problems thanks to the Easy-to-Clean effect. The joints remain attractive in the long term thanks to their improved resistance to acidic detergents and additional protection against certain mould fungi.

Certified healthy living environment

The official inauguration of the housing estate in Friedberg-Hügelhart took place in July 2017. Together with the keys to their new homes, all the owners received a healthy living environment certificate issued on the basis of tests carried out by TÜV Rheinland. For this purpose, atmospheric pollutant concentration measurements were made in each home. The results confirmed that all the values were within the target range specified. This housing estate is therefore a milestone in the development of energy-efficient, low-emission home building.