Passive solar design takes advantage of the sunlight and other site conditions to maintain a comfortable temperature within the home without using mechanical equipment. H&H studies sites closely to ensure we understand the most appropriate ideal conditions for your home. So how do you create passive solar design?
1. Maximize South-Facing Window Space: During the winter when you want your home heated, the sun is primarily to the south. Provide overhead shading for south-facing windows. Depending on the size, location, and orientation of a window, shading structures can be designed appropriately. They will block high summer sun while allowing in the low winter sun.
2. Minimize East & West-Facing Window Space & Vertical Shading: During the summer, the sun is to the east in the morning and to the west in the afternoon, so minimizing this window space will keep the house cooler. The vertical shades will block early morning and late afternoon sun while allowing in light year-round.
3. North-Facing Clerestory Windows: Brings in lighting while minimizing heat gain.
4. Thermal Mass: In a moderate climate, the ideal axis that a building is oriented on is east-west. Why? Maximize southern exposure and minimize east / west exposure. Good building materials, “thermal mass walls,” discussed in previous posts are adobe, insulated concrete block, or rammed earth, slowing the transfer of heat into the structure keeping the home cooler during the day and warmer at night. Concrete or tile floors near south-facing windows also absorb daylight heat and slowly release it.
5. Stack Ventilation: Operable windows at the highest points can allow the rising summer heat to escape the home.
6. Cross Ventilation: Air movement by placing operable windows at opposite sides of a space.
Want to learn more about H&H’s green building techniques? Find out more here.
Bridged Courtyard Residence, photographed by Scot Conti.
De Renouard Residence, photographed by John Durant.
De Renouard section drawing.
Deckey Residence, photographed by David Deckey.
Barker Residence.