Inside... Refinement and warmth
The client wanted to build easy-to-maintain cabins, but more importantly, easy-to-live in cabins.
Each chalet is independent and designed to be easy to maintain and above all, to live in
Easy to live in : a simple management of the heating all year-round.
Geothermal science sends a liquid called glycol at 120 meters (393 ft) deep to warm it up. The difference of temperature is used by a low electricity consuming pump. The warmed up web water circulates in the floor. Very well insulated, the heating need is minimal. The wide bay windows let the sun bring its natural energy. On the North side, enjoy the same temperature thanks to the ventilation system which regenerates the cabin with outdoor air. On its way, the air is warmed up to the appropriate temperature and dampened for a real well-being. Mountain air can be dry in winter, particularly in the sunny Crans-Montana. Dampening the air helps to breath. The double flow is a real comfort.
Easy to maintain : low energy consumption...
To maintain the cabin heating at an enjoyable temperature all winter long is not a waste.
Geothermal science is expensive to install, but benefits from a long life.
Each year, the heating spending is low, limited to the electricity to run on the pump.
The chosen system is a water-source heat pump.
At this altitude (1450 meters/ 4757 ft) an air-source heat pump would not work well, reacting slowly to sudden drop of the temperature.
Here, the glycol sent at 120 meters deep, returns back with a few degrees more and motiones the mechanism to warm up the water between 16 and 20°C (61-68°F).
This water is then sent into the floor to heat each room at a desired pre-selected thermostat temperature. Easy to use, geothermal science does not need a lot of annual maintenance.
It is the most adapted system for these cabins.
In case of big temperature drop, the pump reacts quickly and stays efficient as long as the cold remains.
The cabin inertia stocks the heat and assumes its maintenance relying on its insulation, too.
