Rhapsody, Amsterdam | Integral installation concept with negative EPC

Rhapsody in West's exceptionally low EPC (<0) is achieved in part by its demand-controlled CERA ventilation system. Quiet, compact CERA units control the amount of fresh air needed in the homes 24/7, based on local CO₂-measurements. Developer and turnkey supplier Hiensch Engineering is providing the design of all installations (E, W and S) in this project, fully worked out in BIM.

CERA stands for Central Energy Recovery Airflow. This concept was developed in-house by Hiensch Engineering with manufacturer SIG Air Handling and focused on stacked housing construction. "Modern homes are so well insulated that the share of heating in energy costs is decreasing. A large part of the building-related energy consumption of stacked construction, more than 25%, is caused by ventilation. The CERA system saves on energy costs precisely here," said Commercial Director Jan Sier.

Rhapsody in West is connected to WestpoortWarmte's district heating network. Building cooling is provided by a CHP system and brought into the homes through the CERA system, which is made up of a dedicated ventilation control box (CERA unit) in the home, combined with central CHP units on the roofs.

WTW units under solar collectors

It is notable that the Rhapsody in West project will generate energy, rather than cost energy. "Rhapsody in West is the first stacked housing project with an EPC lower than 0. This is achieved in part through the use of large numbers of solar collectors on the roofs, under which the CHW units are aesthetically concealed." The CERA system is decisive in this energy concept. Instead of placing a separate WTW unit with 2 fans and a cross-flow exchanger in each house, distribution and filtration are centralized. The control works on the basis of CO₂-measurement in the home. "With this, the energy consumption for ventilation and ventilation transmission is up to 30% lower than that of out-of-the-box WTW systems and even up to 50% lower compared to conventional systems. We are turnkey contractor in this project of the CERA system, which is remotely monitored from our company. The operation of the entire heating, cooling and ventilation system has now been taken over by Eteck. Hiensch remains involved as a maintenance party and is responsible for the proper functioning of the CERA system."