3 months
Total construction time, completed by an owner-builder using AAC blocks for fast, efficient wall assembly.
R-35
Roof insulation value, with AAC walls and ETICS system delivering superior thermal performance and passive comfort.
10 kW
Solar PV system with battery storage powers heating, hot water, and household loads, enabling near off-grid living.
AAC House
Built In Three Months
Sustainable Construction Made with Autoclaved Aerated Concrete in Ahrensbök, Germany
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This project involved the construction of a highly efficient, sustainable single-family home in Ahrensbök, Germany, designed for resale. The build focused on using aerated autoclaved concrete (AAC) components from Domapor and Hebel, natural and recycled insulation materials, and a self-sufficient renewable energy system.
The construction, which took approximately three months, was largely completed by the owner-builder, Jorn Heuer, using proven high-performance building practices.
The home’s structure utilizes aerated concrete masonry for both exterior and interior walls, selected for its excellent thermal and acoustic performance, ease of handling, and sustainability profile:
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20 cm (8") AAC masonry (AAC2 class)
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1 cm adhesive thin-set air layer
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16 cm ETICS system with Styrofoam insulation (λ = 0.032 W/mK)
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Acrylic stucco finish (mineral plaster render)
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The house is designed for near-total energy independence through a smart combination of solar generation, heat pump technology, and thermal storage:
Solar Photovoltaics
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10 kW rooftop PV system
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East-west split layout with 12 PV modules per side
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Integrated with a Viessmann 10 kW battery storage.
After initial wiring issues (one string incorrectly wired), the system has been operating reliably and supplying sufficient power for household and heating needs.
Heating and Hot Water
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3.5 kW air-source heat pump
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Integrated 120-liter domestic hot water tank
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Supplies radiant floor heating and domestic hot water, supplemented by PV and storage system
This system allows the house to operate nearly off-grid for most of the year. Solar energy powers the heat pump and household loads while surplus electricity is stored for later use. The relatively small heat pump is sufficient thanks to the home’s ultra-low heating load.
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The construction was largely completed by the owner, Jorn Heuer, with a total duration of approximately three months. The careful selection of AAC blocks enabled fast stacking and installation, while integrated insulation systems simplified wall construction. Coordination with electricians and solar installers was key; a minor wiring error was corrected early in system commissioning.
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The home has already demonstrated excellent thermal performance. Even during initial winter occupancy, interior temperatures were stable and comfortable with minimal mechanical input.
The air-source heat pump has proven adequate for both heating and hot water thanks to the high-performance envelope.
The home is thermally superb, nearly self-sufficient, and exceptionally quiet. The combination of AAC masonry, recycled insulation, solar power, and electric heat pump results in extremely low operational costs and environmental impact.
Building this home was one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done. It went up faster than I expected, and living here feels peaceful and effortless. It’s warm when it needs to be, cool when it should be, and I don’t have to worry about bills piling up. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Jorn Heuer
The owner-builder of the AAC home in Ahrensbök, Germany
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This project demonstrates the viability of building high-performance, sustainable housing using AAC and renewable systems. The integration of a Viessmann battery bank, air-source heat pump, and efficient building envelope provides year-round comfort with minimal reliance on the grid.
The home in Ahrensbök sets a clear example of how future-ready homes can be built affordably, durably, and sustainably — even with minimal labour and conventional tools.
Canadian builders looking to overcome climate challenges, labour shortages, and rising material costs should take note: AAC offers a faster, cleaner, and smarter way to build. It's not a theory — it’s a working model, and it’s ready to be replicated.
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