Das „House of Wonders“ in der Region Cognac, Frankreich

© GeoClimaDesign AG

Challenge: climate change and building cooling

Buildings in Europe must adapt to hotter summers and milder winters. Cooling, in particular, is becoming increasingly important and should be as emission-free as possible. Retrofitting existing buildings, especially historic ones, is often complex. Here, GeoClimaDesign AG’s climate ceiling offers a sustainable solution.

Pilot project: historic estate from 1820

The benefits of the climate ceiling were demonstrated in an old estate from 1820 near Cognac. The ongoing renovation of this privately owned property, named House of Wonders, showcases how modern efficiency technologies can be integrated while preserving historical architecture.
The energy concept is based on a combination of modern, energy-efficient technologies. At its core is the climate ceiling, which provides both heating and cooling, ensuring a comfortable and even indoor temperature. Ground-source heat pumps are used for heat generation. These extract energy either from thermal gains produced by capillary tube mats installed behind photovoltaic modules integrated into the roof. This combination of photovoltaics and capillary tube mats creates a PV-thermal solution.
Additionally, an adjacent stream serves as another energy source, with thermal energy being harvested using a water heat pump collector. These intelligently networked systems ensure the sustainable and efficient use of renewable energy.

Geschäftsführerin Antje Vargas erläutert die Funktion und Vorteile der Klimadecke bei der Systemvorstellung im „House of Wonders“

© GeoClimaDesign AG

Efficient functionality of the climate ceiling

The water-carrying capillary tube mats of the climate ceiling can be integrated into various ceilings, walls, or floors. They function through radiant temperature control, creating a comfortable and even indoor climate without air movement.
The system operates at low supply temperatures of below 35°C for heating and around 16°C for cooling, increasing efficiency and enabling eco-friendly temperature control. The climate ceiling is energy-efficient, easily retrofittable, and particularly suitable for existing and historic buildings.

Inauguration and future prospects

On March 7, the system was presented on-site. Guests were able to see the installation and efficiency of the technology firsthand. The German Energy Agency (dena) accompanied the event and emphasized the importance of energy-efficient modernization. With this pilot project, GeoClimaDesign AG has laid the foundation for a sustainable market development in France.

With the RES programme, the German Energy Solutions Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWK) supports German companies in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors enter new markets. Within the framework of the programme, reference plants are installed and marketed with the support of the German Energy Agency (dena). Information and training activities help ensure a sustainable market entry and demonstrate the quality of climate-friendly technologies made in Germany.