aquatherm black provides geothermal collector and surface heating for a farmhouse in Norway
In the far north of Norway, on the island of Andøya in the Vesterålen region, stands a farmhouse over 120 years old, set on an impressive plot of land that borders directly on the fjord. The owner has set himself the goal of preserving the historical heritage of the farmhouse while investing in its future viability through a modern extension. The building is also future-proof thanks to its building technology, perfectly adapted to the conditions north of the Arctic Circle.
The climate on Andøya is characterised by long, cold winters, with a heating season of around 300 days per year. To heat the buildings as energy-efficiently and self-sufficiently as possible, a geothermal collector was chosen: a system of plastic pipes laid in the ground, filled with brine, which uses near-surface geothermal energy to operate a heat pump. The owners selected aquatherm black as the plastic pipe system for the geothermal collector. aquatherm’s product is tailored to the special requirements of the heating and cooling sector. Its compact register design and future-proof technology make it an ideal solution for modern construction projects.
400 sqm collector area
The collector area at Andøya, laid out with aquatherm black, covers 400 square metres, distributed over 140 registers measuring 200 x 100 centimetres. The system was installed at a depth of about 80 centimetres.
A special feature of this installation is that there is often a significant amount of water on the collector surface, which promotes heat extraction from the ground and increases the system’s efficiency. The geothermal collector made of aquatherm black forms the primary circuit for a heat pump. The nearby waterfall generates the electricity required to supply the heat pump. In this way, the natural environment is utilised optimally to ensure an almost self-sufficient energy supply.
Only on around 30 days per year, when the waterfall is frozen, does an alternative energy source need to be used.
Assignment in the old farmhouse including extension
In the old farmhouse, with an area of 100 square metres, aquatherm black registers will provide pleasant and even warmth in the walls, ceilings, and bathroom floor. In the planned extension, adding a further 90 square metres and scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, the surface heating will be installed in the floor.
Thanks to its flexibility, the system adapts to almost any requirement and remains invisible after installation. This ensures not only an aesthetic room design, but also optimal functionality. With radiant energy, aquatherm black generates pleasant warmth – without draughts and dust whirling. The system also allows for passive cooling if required, guaranteeing a comfortable indoor climate even in summer.
Result
The choice of this type of heating reflects the owners' desire to make the most of all the energy sources available on site, while achieving fully self-sufficient heating and hot water for the buildings. The combination of modern technology, sustainable materials, and the respectful treatment of the historic structure makes this project a pioneering example of energy-efficient construction and renovation under demanding climatic conditions. With aquatherm black, a solution has been found that is not only efficient, but also priorities the comfort and cosiness of the residents.
