Dining
The dining area is a spacious, open space that seamlessly blends functionality with modern design. Large windows flood the room with natural light, creating an airy, bright atmosphere while also allowing passive solar heating in the cooler months.
Orientation and Layout
Did you know that the sun tracks lower in the sky in winter than during summer? A correct northerly orientation of a home allows winter sun into the home and will automatically exclude the summer sun to avoid overheating. This is called passive solar design. The next critical task it to make sure the home captures this free energy in the places that you spend most time in, so that’s why you will notice the living areas on the north side of the home.
Thermal Mass
Thermal mass is the term used to describe heavy materials and their capacity to store heat energy. The polished concrete floor provides thermal mass to soak up the winter sunlight during the day and radiate this heat overnight to maintain a higher internal temperature. In summer, the same thermal mass has the opposite effect of keeping the home cool by absorbing heat from the air.
Thermal mass can make a home uncomfortable if not carefully considered and applied.
Walls, doors and windows
Walls, doors and windows have been carefully selected and placed to support the principles of passive solar heating and passive cooling via natural ventilation.
