Silver Spur Residence
We are currently through the schematic design phase, and into cost analysis for a home in the Silver Spur development in Brewster, WA.
The home will be passively heated and cooled by taking advantage of the sun and the earth. The home is partially bermed into the hillside to capture the earths ambient temperature and minimize temperature swings year round. The south facade is designed to capture the low winter sun angles to passively heat the space. A concrete fireplace and concrete floors act as thermal mass to capture the winter sun and radiate heat throughout the home, and we have calculated that this passive system will handle 80-90% of the home's heating needs during the winter. We have carefully calculated the awnings and trellises to allow the winter sun angles in, while blocking the summer sun. Vines will be planted on the trellises to create a living shading system. The leaves will be full in the summer, creating shade, and they will shed in the winter to allow light in.
On hot afternoons the breeze predictably shifts to draw up the valley. The openings are designed to encourage these breezes to naturally ventilate and cool the home.
Daylighting is another major point of design for the home. We have ensured that every space will be filled with the correct percentages of natural light for that specific room's task (for instance, working in the kitchen requires more light than reading in the library).
In keeping with our design principles, this home will be very cost effective, while maintaining a very high level of environmental consciousness.
We are currently through the schematic design phase, and into cost analysis for a home in the Silver Spur development in Brewster, WA.
The home will be passively heated and cooled by taking advantage of the sun and the earth. The home is partially bermed into the hillside to capture the earths ambient temperature and minimize temperature swings year round. The south facade is designed to capture the low winter sun angles to passively heat the space. A concrete fireplace and concrete floors act as thermal mass to capture the winter sun and radiate heat throughout the home, and we have calculated that this passive system will handle 80-90% of the home's heating needs during the winter. We have carefully calculated the awnings and trellises to allow the winter sun angles in, while blocking the summer sun. Vines will be planted on the trellises to create a living shading system. The leaves will be full in the summer, creating shade, and they will shed in the winter to allow light in.
On hot afternoons the breeze predictably shifts to draw up the valley. The openings are designed to encourage these breezes to naturally ventilate and cool the home.
Daylighting is another major point of design for the home. We have ensured that every space will be filled with the correct percentages of natural light for that specific room's task (for instance, working in the kitchen requires more light than reading in the library).
In keeping with our design principles, this home will be very cost effective, while maintaining a very high level of environmental consciousness.
posted by Ben at
3:51 PM
