Dalli Yvon Georges Emmanuel Dogbre, Master of Design, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design, Kyrenia, North Cyprus, 240602002@arucad.edu.tr
Nazgol Hafizi, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Design, Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design, Kyrenia, North Cyprus, Nazgol.hafizi@arucad.edu.tr
Correspondence: 240602002@arucad.edu.tr
Abstract: Developing greener buildings has motivated the use of new approaches in many different climates. In these areas known for mild temperatures, high moisture and a lot of rain, homes are made so occupants are comfortable while the building uses energy sparingly. Net-zero energy buildings offset annual energy consumption through on-site renewables, while regenerative design seeks to restore local ecosystems and resource cycles. It looks at how these concepts operate in the temperate oceanic regions, because handling renewable resources and managing moisture proves to be unique in these areas. These models can be found in temperate oceanic climates, because there are specific challenges and opportunities concerning renewable resources and humidity. The aim of this study is to describe net-zero and regenerative residential housing built in temperate oceanic climates through a case study. The case studies include only the following European projects: ZEB Pilot House (Norway), BedZED (UK), Vauban District (Germany), LILAC (UK) and Home for Life (Denmark), because these projects were successful and innovative in regard to green methods in climates with a temperate oceanic climate. A qualitative, multiple case study methodology was used. The data was gathered from architectural documentation, academic articles, project websites and performance reports. Each project was examined according to the same framework: site planning (orientation, landscape integration), envelope performance (insulation, moisture control, glazing), energy systems (renewables, heat recovery, natural ventilation), water management (rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse) and ecological integration (green roofs, habitat restoration) Thematic analysis facilitated comparison of strategies and outcomes. The study indicates that in places like the ZEB Pilot House and Home for Life which are in temperate oceanic regions, the top priorities are strong insulation throughout the building, heating and cooling systems with heat recovery and properly sized solar energy panels for limited heating and lighting. BedZED and LILAC embed social sustainability within their energy strategies, combining communal resource systems with renewable technologies. The Vauban District stands out because it is designed with solar orientation, what architects call mixed-use approach and on-site wind power, all helping it achieve the net-zero target. Community gardens, green spaces for all and greywater wetlands are used in BedZED and LILAC to show regenerative principles and improve local biodiversity and cut down on runoff. While all five cases achieve significant energy reductions in temperate oceanic contexts, regenerative design projects demonstrate enhanced ecological and social benefits by integrating habitat restoration and communal resource management. The comparative analysis underscores that in temperate oceanic climates, combining net-zero energy systems with regenerative strategies yields resilient, environmentally restorative residential communities.
Keywords: Regenerative Architecture, Net-Zero Energy, Sustainability, Europe
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