Passive house Kortijs

Rockpanel gives energy to passive house with the power of simplicity

Rockpanel as Manufacturers

There is a house in Kortijs, and a very special one at that. Architect Wim Van Laer has designed a passive house with an exceptionally low sustainability factor. The story behind what at first appears to be a rather simple, yet thoroughly well though-out and innovative project can be summed up in just one word: simplicity. The passive house owes its particular character to the dark grey structure that is completely finished in Rockpanel Colours facade cladding.


The high energy performance is achieved with the help of Rockwool insulation. The final result is a magnificent whole within which form, finish and functionality blend together perfectly.


Maximum minimum “The passive house in Kortijs is designed with only one ambition in mind: to build a house with the sim- plicity of life as the guiding principle,” explains architect Wim Van Laer. It was clear right from the beginning that it had to be a house with a simple volume, a contem- porary spatial experience and an open character. I am a keen enthusiast and admirer of the Japanese building philosophy within which space and material are put to optimal use in order to create simplicity.” Space, light and functionality The passive house in Kortijs is a so-called hybrid house; a mixture of concrete, fast construction elements, wood, Rockwool insulation and facade cladding. “Rockpanel was an obvious solution,” says Wim Van Laer. “Rockpanel's light weight is unique in the market. It is very easy to work with and it gives a perfect result. ...


It was the ideal material for the sleek finish that we were looking for. And we went a long way with this. The panels are incorporated pretty much seamlessly as the material easily allows this.


With its stone-based origins, Rockpanel hardly expands, even less so than concrete. The monolithic look that we wanted was created by attaching the panels with as few seams as possible.”


Ready for the house of tomorrow House-building is increasingly evolving towards compact, functional houses with a sustainable character. The passive house in Kortijs is one of the forerunners in this trend. Rockpanel also makes an essential contribution to this development.


Wim Van Laer gave Rockpanel and Rockwool a high score when it came to sustainability, due to the solid, timeless, weather-proof qualities of the products. “The Rockpanel material is very efficient. Mineral wool is a pure material with volcanic origins that naturally withstands the ravages of time. Increasingly higher demands will be made of the nature, quality and sustainability of construction materials. I firmly believe that Rockpanel and Rockwool are ready for the future.”

Project Credits
Manufacturers
Product Spec Sheet

ElementBrandProduct name
ManufacturersRockpanel
colourful facade panels Rockpanel Colours -
Product Spec Sheet
Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun
29 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun

Spanish architecture firm OHLAB has recently completed Paseo de Mallorca 15, a residential complex o... More

Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon
22 Mar 2024 News
Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon

The Eugénie Brazier school project in Lyon, France, undertaken by regional architecture studi... More