Download 10) Passive Thermal Systems

Environmental Controls I/IG
Lecture 10
Passive Thermal Systems
Passive Thermal Systems
Genius Loci +
Microclimate +
Vernacular Precedent
=
Architectural form as an
environmental control system
Passive Thermal Systems
Genius Loci
Environmental
Forces
 Earth
 Wind
 Fire
 Water
Passive Thermal Systems
Earth Contact



Thermal mass
Wind shelter
Solar exposure
Passive Thermal Systems
Earthlike forms



Thermal mass
Wind shelter
Solar “canyons”
Marriot Library
Salt Lake City, Utah
Passive Thermal Systems
Earth-based
materials
Adobe, Brick, Stone
 Natural material source
 Thermal mass
 Locally available
 Traditional and modern
uses
Passive Thermal Systems
Earthscaping



Natural materials
Shelter/screening
Locally available
Passive Thermal Systems
Wind
Wind Tower
 Wind scoop
 Evaporative cooling
 Thermal mass
cooling
Passive Thermal Systems
Wind
Warm air rises
 Attic ventilation
 Solar chimneys
Passive Thermal Systems
Fire

Solar chimney
Morse-Libby Mansion
Portland, Maine
Passive Thermal Systems
Wind
Air movement
affects comfort
 Cross ventilation
provides cooling
Passive Thermal Systems
Fire
Solar Angles


Summer & Winter
solstices
Verdant and
Autumnal
equinoxes
Passive Thermal Systems
Fire
Skin Surface
Effects
 Color
 Reflectivity
 Position
Passive Thermal Systems
Fire
Skin Thermal Mass
 Increasing thermal
mass delays heat
penetration
Passive Thermal Systems
Fire
Interior Solar
Control
 Interior shading
reduces depth of
solar penetration
but still admits
heat
Passive Thermal Systems
Fire
Site Solar Control
 Evergreen trees
fairly constant
 Deciduous trees
vary seasonally
Passive Thermal Systems
Fire
Exterior Solar Control
 Sheltered openings
(apertures)
Passive Thermal Systems
Water
Evapotranspiration
 Landscaping elements
provide moisture
Passive Thermal Systems
Water
Interior plantings
can give off/trap
moisture
 Use according to
local climate
Passive Thermal Systems
Water
Evaporative cooling
 Water features
add to evaporative
cooling (but
increase humidity)
Passive Thermal Systems
Water
Air directed over or
through water can
provide cooling
 Use according to
local climate
Passive Thermal Systems
Microclimate


Fountain, recesses,
and channeled breezes
provide cooling
Building controls
exposure to onshore
winds
SF School of Design
San Francisco, CA
Passive Thermal Systems
Microclimate
Evaporative cooling
 Building exposed to
surrounding
landscape
 Pool, overhangs,
and channeled
breezes provide
cooling
Taliesin West
Phoenix, AZ
Passive Thermal Systems
Vernacular Precedents


Drawn from Genius Loci
Can be adapted to
contemporary design
Passive Thermal Systems
Genius Loci +
Microclimate +
Vernacular Precedent
=
Architectural form as an
environmental control system