Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing one, Passive Design can be incorporated into the design allowing for both sustainable and economical benefits. Consider some of the following principles of Passive Design for your next build or renovation.
1. Orientation
Look at how the floor plan can be designed (or altered if a renovation) in line with Passive Solar Design. Keeping living areas North facing allow for maximum sun exposure and solar benefits.
2. Windows
The size and position of the windows spanning across the Northern walls offer maximum sunlight within the home working in with Orientation.
Consider the choice of windows - timber v aluminium. Timber is not a conductor of heat the way aluminium is - hence you have minimal heat transfer. Window furnishings chosen also contribute in Passive Solar Design. Dressing the Northern widows with for example lined drapery or honeycomb blinds have maximum thermal capacity.
3. Ventilation
Cross Flow Ventilation allows air flow to move easily around the house. Try to line windows up from North to South and perhaps choose windows that maximise airflow for example Double Hung windows or Louver windows.
4. Thermal Mass
Thermal Mass Is the ability of matter to absorb heat energy. Usually high density material materials with highest heat absorbing capabilities are water, concrete, stone, compressed earth blocks, rammed earth and brick. Matter with high thermal mass absorbs heat during the day when it is at the warmest and acts as a slow release of heat during the night when it is cooler.
5. Infiltration
This looks at blocking air leakage i.e.: sealing doors, windows, chimney’s, vents etc. Seal all doors and windows and use self closing dampers to all exhausts.
6. Shading
Consider deciduous trees / plants along the Northern side. These will offer shading from sun in summer as well as allowing sun in through the winter period.
7. Insulation
Insulation in the ceiling, walls, underfloor, thermal curtains and infiltration - all combined - can offer approximately 53% reduction in heating and cooling energy.
8. Glazing
Convection of heat (movement/loss of heat by air passing over the surface) can be reduced by implementing Double Glazed windows throughout for all new windows. For existing windows transparent glazing film can be fitted, offering glazing benefits as a retrofit. To reduce solar heat gain, low e-glass can be used on the internal North & Western windows. Internal low e-glass works well in Victoria when used in conjunction with Double Glazing to keep the house warmer in winter.
Consider healthy home indoor air quality by choosing low VOC options in the following:
Paint
Varnishes
Adhesives used to fix carpets, underlay, ceramic tiles, joinery etc.
Australian manufactured MDF - certified for low formaldehyde emission
Indoor plants to improve air quality
Ask Instile about how you can incorporate passive design into your build or renovation :)
Comments