Passive Solar

10 Principles of Passive Solar Design

Site Selection – Select a site protected from afternoon sun with good solar access, and is open to cool breezes while remaining sheltered from cold winds during winter.
Orientation – Position the building’s long axis toward solar south with will maximize solar gain during winter month and limit western exposure in the summer.
Window Placement – Choose energy efficient Glo European Windows, arranging them with consideration to minimize summer heat gain and maximize winter heat gain.
Shading – Configure shading devices, such as eave overhangs or external shading devices to permit low winter sun into building and high summer sun out.
Room Layout – Rooms used more frequently placed on the south side for optimal use of natural light during day.
Insulation – Supply a continuous insulation layer, with thickness appropriate to climate, surrounding the entire conditioned space of the building, minimizing loss of heat during winter and heat gain in summer.
Air-sealing – Supply a continuous air-barrier surrounding the entire building envelope, in contact wth the insulation layer, minimizing loss of heat in winter and heat gain in summer months.
Ventilation –Every building must have ventilation in order to sustain good indoor air quality. Energy efficient, airtight buildings need a heat (or energy) recovery ventilation system.
Thermal Mass – Heavy materials such as brick, concrete, tile and stone should be utilized in appropriate thicknesses and areas to insulate the building envelope to store heat and help balance temperature fluctuations.
Landscaping – Carefully planned landscaping and planting can aid in maximizing performance of Passive Solar Design and assist with imperfect situations and site problems.

WHAT

Green Vila

WHERE

Spain

WHEN

March 2023

Passive Solar

10 Principles of Passive Solar Design

Site Selection – Select a site protected from afternoon sun with good solar access, and is open to cool breezes while remaining sheltered from cold winds during winter.

Orientation – Position the building’s long axis toward solar south with will maximize solar gain during winter month and limit western exposure in the summer.

Window Placement – Choose energy efficient Glo European Windows, arranging them with consideration to minimize summer heat gain and maximize winter heat gain.

Shading – Configure shading devices, such as eave overhangs or external shading devices to permit low winter sun into building and high summer sun out.

Room Layout – Rooms used more frequently placed on the south side for optimal use of natural light during day.

Insulation – Supply a continuous insulation layer, with thickness appropriate to climate, surrounding the entire conditioned space of the building, minimizing loss of heat during winter and heat gain in summer.

Air-sealing – Supply a continuous air-barrier surrounding the entire building envelope, in contact wth the insulation layer, minimizing loss of heat in winter and heat gain in summer months.

Ventilation –Every building must have ventilation in order to sustain good indoor air quality. Energy efficient, airtight buildings need a heat (or energy) recovery ventilation system.

Thermal Mass – Heavy materials such as brick, concrete, tile and stone should be utilized in appropriate thicknesses and areas to insulate the building envelope to store heat and help balance temperature fluctuations.

Landscaping – Carefully planned landscaping and planting can aid in maximizing performance of Passive Solar Design and assist with imperfect situations and site problems.