Passive Design also called Climatic Design doesn’t rely on the use of mechanical and electrical devices for heating and cooling a home. Rather it takes full advantage of natural climate to maintain thermal comfort. Passive Design reduces or eliminates heating and cooling bills reducing greenhouse emissions.
Some common elements often found are:
Operable windows –windows that can be opened-
Thermal mass will prevent rapid temperature fluctuations trough materials such as masonry and water that can store heat energy for extended time.
Thermal chimneys induce hot air to raise producing air movement for cooling purposes.
Passive Design takes into consideration the prevailing climate of the area where the building shall be erected. For instance, in a cold climate the design will focus on passive solar heating. While in a warm-humid place such as Puerto Vallarta cooling the space is a priority.
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The following images show a few strategies of passive solar cooling that could be integrated into the project design to maximize cooling air movement.
Cross ventilation is a good way to cool a space, but when this is not possible then it is suggested to install two widely spaced windows on one side, having just one big window on one wall doesn’t help at all. It also helps to have smaller inlet openings and larger outlet openings, and placing the windows at medium height to provide airflow at occupant levels. Insect screens decrease the velocity of breezes, the closer the weave the slower the breeze gets.
Wing walls are small walls or solid panels adjacent to the windows. They aid in directing the wind into the building, the air speed is accelerated due to pressure differences created by the wing walls.
A thermal chimney also known as solar chimney is a vertical shaft that draws hot air out of the building by convection thus providing a constant air flow. They have been in use for centuries. It is recommended to be insulated from the house and mount a black metal sheet behind a glaze in the exterior wall of the chimney to absorb heat. Also install a scoop at the top, opened opposite to the prevailing winds to allow warm air to escape and avoid that draft come into the house. The stairwell can act as a solar chimney when well designed with openings at the top.
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I must say that back in the university when I learned about passive design I began wondering why it seems like not many graduates truly care about it anymore, when it seems only natural to take into consideration all site conditions, building orientation, prevailing direction of winds, etc, when starting to design any type of project so it reaches its full potential as an energy efficient building.
We have already talked about the basics of Passive Solar Design, and there plenty ways to complement a design to make it more eco-friendly. Like incorporating a rain harvesting system which can be really simple or as complex as the home owner/client wants it. It can go from installing gutters and connect them to rain barrels or to a cistern, all the way to channeling that rain water into a water feature or a water filtering system to make it drinkable.
Gray water could be reused for a sprinkler system, filtered to be used in toilets or to be drinkable.
Renewable energy could be used to power a building using Photovoltaic panels or solar water heaters.
Landscaping is a great way to beautify a home but also to indirectly aid in heating and cooling. Planting deciduous trees on your south façade will provide shade during those hot summer months and in winter will allow the sun to heat the home. In an all year round hot climate vines shall provide continuous protection against the sun radiation.
Recycled, reused or repurposed materials would take it up a notch. There is a myriad of materials out there waiting for a second chance to be used again.
A passive solar home that also introduces eco-friendly materials and technologies can look like any other home or flat out strange but there is no doubt that they are comfortable to live in and cost less to run.
At Arkitektonika we strive in making our designs energy efficient. We will work with you during every stage of your project, from the initial design phase to the completion of construction on your project.
Contact us at:
322 105 2856
