PHCC is an architectural and engineering philosophy for zero-carbon buildings in Crete, Greece.
We will discuss new applications such as cavity insulation, slab applications, fire-stopping, and thermal bridging solutions.
How am I building two passive house mixed-use short-term rental properties developments at the same time?
Novel methods like precast concrete, PMRA and vegetative roofs, rainscreen walls in Passive House projects.
Passive House principles for a Touristic Villa in Chania, Crete?
“Everything focuses on energy and energy sustainability. However, how it is possible to design and construct a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom high-performance house with a pool (water harvesting) in Crete, Greece and meet all the standards of a Passive House?“
How to achieve a liveable, cost-effective, net-zero carbon home?
“The definition of ‘zero carbon’ focuses on a property’s operational energy use, it does not include the embodied carbon in the structure.
Embodied carbon results from the building materials manufacturing methods, their origin, their transportation to the site, and the energy used onsite not only during construction …“
Why early collaboration is key to successful passive house building design. Our experience with ARENCOS.
ARENCOS and their partners will work together with you to design a passive house in Crete within your budget. You’ll be surprised what’s possible – from better home performance and exceptional interiors to smarter and healthier choices of materials.
Designing a passive house that’s right for you can mean significantly less energy consumption and operational & maintenance costs, and better liveability and comfort for your family. And it doesn’t necessarily mean a passive house will cost more.
Passive House Construction in Crete and Project Excellence.
At ARENCOS, we believe that modern architecture is living in comfort without compromising the natural environment or depleting the natural resources available. Our sustainably designed and energy efficient focused homes minimise negative environmental impacts whilst ensuring and maximising comfort and wellbeing.
Constructed with precision and by integrating the latest technology with locally sourced and time-tested natural materials, our eco-friendly properties draw inspiration from the Cretan nature with a delicate yet modern aesthetic, elegance and practicality.
Reliable. Sustainable. Efficient. Exceptional.
Energy Efficient
We integrate high-performing building designs and bioclimatic architecture practices to offer climate-responsive and operationally efficient properties.
The final proposal is based on the adoption of suitable parameters for building orientation, structural profile, passive heating and cooling mechanisms, shading, and glazing to ensure a healthy indoor and outdoor living environment.
Sustainable Building
At ARENCOS, we assist clients to discover pragmatic solutions that match their own objectives toward building sustainability.
To make structures really sustainable, we design for better performance from every angle – this way we help our clients create properties that are practical, affordable to build and operate, pleasant to inhabit and exceptional to their context.
Carbon Neutral
We have helped many clients realize their sustainability aspirations in residential and commercial buildings.
We strive to create carbon-neutral buildings and we know that this is only possible by synthesizing the latest design trends with locally sourced building materials and state-of-the-art renewable energy applications toward carbon neutrality.
Comfort + Wellbeing
We want to create buildings that motivate and delight, and which are responsive to the owner’s needs.
From detached houses to larger deluxe properties, we take pride in creating a competitive and innovative design attitude.
From concept to operation, our decisions and actions are intended to produce safe, inclusive, high-performance and sustainable properties.
PMDE
This framework is based on our Project Management & Delivery Excellence Folder and it outlines the initiatives, methods and strategies for carbon reduction in the construction, obstacles and challenges faced by similar residential projects.
Moreover, it also includes the mechanisms and methodologies that helped us overcome the difficulties, and low-carbon solutions applied to the design, construction, and operation of off-grid properties in Crete, Greece.
Integrity + Dedication
At ARENCOS we constantly strive to redefine the standard of excellence in everything we design and manage. Therefore, we are open to ideas that challenge conventional views and drive innovation.
As a team, we are sharing our knowledge and lessons learned. We support and encourage innovation and we also set big goals and high expectations, but we are appreciative, grateful, and supportive of our successes.
Good for you & the Environment.
ARENCOS was founded on the principles of sustainable building design and total architecture that holistically support the well-being of inhabitants and long-term energy efficiency of the construction, to achieve a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment.
Subsequently, we view design as a process of discovery. Dedicated design research and off-grid assessments, enable us to experiment, to improve — and to design smarter properties for our clients. That’s particularly important as we strive to create a more resilient future.
With a background in civil engineering, ARENCOS founder and manager Maria Gkika had seen too many poorly planned properties built with little consideration for the environment and local character.
We design our properties to take advantage of the site and surrounding environment, make the most of energy efficiency, and utilize natural resources and sustainable materials.
Senior Civil Engineer, Maria Gkika is a Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD). She is one of the few professionals in Crete, Greece who have been accredited by the Passive House Institute (PHI) to design truly energy-efficient, comfortable and affordable spaces.
This achievement provides ARENCOS with the ability to offer exceptional in-house expertise to our clients.
Designing and delivering the best possible living space takes a team committed to a common goal.
OFF-GRID HOUSE IN CRETE: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Fully off-grid covers places where there is no mains grid connection at all. This could either be down to the costs or purely as a personal choice. Installing solar panels is not enough to be considered off-grid, and most people who use solar energy still rely on electricity from an outside source.
Functionality. Practicality. Sustainability. Inclusivity.
Using our critical thinking, knowledge, motivation and passion to deliver lasting value for our projects– that’s our approach to sustainability. We have the motivation to do it, and we believe we have the responsibility to do it. It’s that simple.
We're committed to creating spaces that matter.
transformation. sustainability. total architecture. technology. earth materials. knowledge sharing. creativity. innovation.
ARENCOS PHILOSOPHY
How we Think
At ARENCOS we view architectural design and construction engineering as a holistic process of exploration and discovery fueled by limitless thinking.
ARENCOS
Values Commitment
While our business continuously evolves, our core values are remaining constant. They define our way of working and are at the heart of everything we do in the field of architectural and engineering immersive experiences.
creativity/ innovation/ transparency
Digital Ecosystem
Our Businesses
We innovate on a continual basis, following trends and customer needs in the sectors in which we operate. We deliver essential innovations across our businesses— Construction & Civil Engineering, Real Estate, and Property Management.
