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Passive Solar Designs 

 

 A passively designed home can look like any other home, but is more comfortable to live in and is much cheaper to run. Passive Solar Design is a way of using the sun’s energy for the heating and cooling of living spaces. Some simple principles at the design stage can help you take advantage of natural energy flows to maintain thermal comfort in your home without need for any mechanical heating or cooling.  This is not only sustainable for the environment but can save thousands of dollars each year which is a win-win!

 

 

Unlike active heating and cooling, passive systems are very simple and do not require any electrical devices such as pumps, fans or control systems.  In essence, passive solar heating is about keeping the summer sun out and letting the winter sun in.  Different climatic zones require different treatments however here are the key principles to consider when designing your new home in the south-west of Australia.

 

 

Orientation

House orientation refers to the positioning of a building on the block in relation to seasonal variations.  Houses with a northern orientation are ideal as they utilizes the sun to heat your home in winter and block the harsh rays in summer.  This means that the main living spaces, including your living, dining and kitchen are positioned so they can take advantage of the northern sun with glazing (doors and windows) located within northern walls. When the sun is at its lowest in winter, these areas are bathed in sunlight, effectively heating the floor area and warming the rooms.  In summer when the sun is at its highest, the heat from the sun’s rays are blocked by the angle of the roof eaves or shade structure. In addition to orienting the living areas to the north, it is also important to minimise east and west-facing openings because they receive the strongest sun and are the most difficult to shade. 

 

 

Thermal Mass

The term thermal mass is used to describe the ability for different materials to store heat and energy, and is a key component in Passive Solar Design.  Materials like stone, concrete, bricks and tiles have a high thermal mass as they absorb the heat from the suns rays during the day, and radiate them at night.  Materials with a low thermal mass include things like wood, carpets, metal and upholstery.  By using thermal mass correctly, for instance with a sealed concrete floor, or a north-facing stone wall, it can help moderate the internal temperature by averaging out the day-night extremes.  This increases comfort and reduces energy costs.

 

 

Insulation

It might seem obvious, but this is one of the most important and easiest steps in creating a comfortable living space, especially at the design and build stage.  We often see new homes being built with inadequate insulation, with the intent of saving a few dollars, only for a new expensive air-conditioning system to be installed at a later date.  Having adequate insulation is important to consider as it acts as a barrier from the external elements as well as helping to moderate the internal temperature.

 

These are just some very simple aspects to consider when designing a new house or even buying a block. Talk to the experts and ask questions. Live in your most comfortable house.

 

 

This article was brought to you by:  Sophine Pfuhl - Architect

T: 0400 585 269

E: me@sophinepfuhl.com.au