Vasso grew up as a child in the Garden City of Waterschei. After her parents past away, she and her husband Michael bought the house. They will first renovate this house thoroughly before moving in with their two children.
How did you get involved in oPEN Lab?
“We came to oPEN Lab after buying my parents’ house in Waterschei. Our contact at the bank, where our mortgage loan runs, referred us to Energiehuis Limburg for their advantageous renovation loan and the accompanying guidance. This is how we met Stéphanie from Stebo (partner of Energiehuis Limburg, ed.). During her explanation here at our kitchen table, she highlighted oPEN Lab. We immediately took the plunge.”
“To be honest, I didn’t believe it at first, it really all seemed too good to be true. At some point we were invited to a kick-off meeting with Stebo and VITO at EnergyVille in Genk. Then it did suddenly become more real. It’s like a fairy tale.”
What does it mean for you to have an oPEN Lab test home?
“I think we have the first oPEN Lab test home in Waterschei. I know there will be solar panels, a heat pump, a ventilation system, … . I don’t know that much about it, I still have a lot to learn. I think it’s a very exciting, but nice adventure. It might not go smoothly from the start. It is also the first test home for the oPEN Lab team. I have full confidence in the project by all means.”
Can you give an update on your renovation journey?
“We are doing a total renovation. A part has been demolished and a new annex has been installed. The old roof was thoroughly insulated. We are currently removing the plaster from the walls in the old house and new electricity and plumbing are being installed. During this interview, we are standing in our future kitchen. That makes me happy.”
Before the oPEN Lab adventure, were you concerned with your energy consumption?
“To be honest, I wasn’t concerned with energy-efficient living at all. It wasn’t until we bought the house and met Stéphanie that I started thinking about it. I know now: heat pumps, solar panels … are part of the future. I definitely don’t want to go back to the past, I want to look into the future and move forward!”
