VELUX solutions for the Czech self-sufficient house

The house that does not require any engineering networks and provides the energy needed for its operation from renewable sources by itself. It sounds like a dream of a distant future, but it is a completely real and already realized project by the organization Czech Self-Sustainable House. The company VELUX has also participated as a partner, supplying a remotely controlled roof window with solar drive to the unique off-grid house near South Bohemian Lipno.

A remotely controlled roof window can also be self-sufficient

Proof of this is the solar-powered roof window VELUX GGU Black, which generously illuminates the staircase area in the first Czech self-sufficient house. The residents of the house without engineering networks can enjoy the comfort of remote control and easily ventilate the window located high above the stairs, which would be difficult to open manually. The fully self-sufficient VELUX roof window has a solar panel built into the upper frame, which charges the battery, so it obtains energy for its operation exclusively from the sun.

The premium roof window VELUX GGU Black is also exceptional due to its design. It has a black inner frame that corresponds to the latest design trends. Its contrasting colors elegantly frame the view and enhance the visual connection with the surrounding nature. The generous size of the window, 114×140 centimeters (glazing area 1.16 m²), ensures an ample amount of daylight. Since the window is oriented to the north, there are no unnecessary fears of overheating the interior in the summer. Thanks to the low-energy triple glazing, this window will not jeopardize thermal comfort in winter.

Sustainability and comfort are not mutually exclusive with VELUX roof windows

"The roof window VELUX fits perfectly into our house. Its power supply exactly reflects the concept of how the house functions, and its design beautifully connects with the overall interior design of the entire house, and the remote control integrates the window into the equation, even though it is quite high above the stairs. I remember that when we installed the window and I immediately tried out the remote control, I thought it was a completely brilliant solution for our house. The solar panel is oriented to the north, but it receives quite sufficient illumination to allow the window to be opened and closed at will," praised the chosen solution Pavel Podruh, who is behind the Czech Self-Sufficient House project.

The idea of building a house on a plot without engineering networks was born five years ago. A group of enthusiasts for sustainable buildings dreamt of a house that is so economical that it can function independently from external sources. A house that generates all the necessary electricity from the sun, stores it in batteries, and then consumes it. A house that captures maximum rainwater, uses it for flushing, and after purification, even for showering. A house that does not unnecessarily waste precious heat, yet allows for healthy breathing and living inside. After four years of preparation, they began building such a house, which is currently nearing completion.

An independent house needs quality materials

The fact that the house is not physically connected to any utility posed several challenges for the implementers. Therefore, a whole team of experts joined the project, which gradually tackled the energy solution as well as water management. For instance, the southern part of the roof is completely equipped with aesthetically pleasing photovoltaics, electricity is stored in a lithium-iron battery with a capacity of 20 kilowatt-hours, and an ingenious system for channeling rainwater into an underground tank will be distributed around the house.

The selection of building materials was crucial, which is why the implementers collaborated from the beginning with several expert partners who ensured the supply of materials with the required parameters. Everything is carefully thought out, from the outer walls to the foundation insulation, facade, attic, and floors, down to smart plasters. All windows are, of course, fitted with insulating triple glazing. "Our goal was to design a small, honest house with a long lifespan. The total thermal loss of the house will be approximately 6.5 kW, calculated according to the local standard at -18 degrees Celsius. We chose materials that minimize the house's energy consumption and help maintain thermal comfort in both winter and summer," described Pavel Podruh.


"For VELUX, joining the project is a logical choice," stated Klára Bukolská, chief architect of VELUX Czech Republic. "The Czech Self-Sufficient House excellently corresponds with the Sustainability Strategy, in which VELUX Group is committed, among other things, to achieving lifetime carbon neutrality by the company's centenary in 2041. Of the seventeen sustainable development goals defined by the UN, we focus on two – health and quality of life, and sustainable cities and communities. In this local project, both connect, and moreover – one experiment is worth more than a hundred scientific papers. That is why we gladly joined and are proud of it," said Klára Bukolská.