Building envelopes

PASSIVE RESILIENCE

Recorded by Elizabeth Donovan, images by Essi Nisonen and Veera Saastamoinen

KEY READINGS

INSPIRATIONAL BUILT EXAMPLES

• Earth sheltering: Hockerton Estate, UK. Brenda and Robert Vale

• Earth sheltering: Various projects, USA. Malcolm Wells

• Double skin: Council House 2, Melbourne, Australia. Mike Pearce

• Trombe wall: Zion Visitor Center, USA.National Park Service--Denver Service Center

• Solar space: The Further Education Center at Mont-Cernis, Germany. HHS Planer + Architekten

• Solar space: House of Rosenberg, Germany. Thomas Herzog

• Solar space: Naturhus, Sweden. Bengt Warne

• Earth sheltering/solar space: Earthship, USA. Mike Reynolds

BUILDING ENVELOPES

Passive building envelopes focus on utilising natural energy sources for heating and cooling, enhancing energy efficiency by minimising reliance on mechanical systems. Thermal mass materials like masonry stabilise indoor temperatures, reducing fluctuations. Strategies include direct gain, indirect gain, and isolated gain systems, each optimised for specific climates.

• Trombe walls use thermal mass and airflow for passive solar heating, adapting to seasons with features like solar chimneys.

• Sunspaces, prevalent in isolated gain systems, capture and radiate heat, requiring proper orientation, thermal mass, insulation, and ventilation.

• Double skin facades enhance energy efficiency, providing thermal buffers and promoting natural ventilation. Buffer systems and extract-air systems moderate temperature and air quality.

• Earth sheltering involves burying structures for natural insulation, reducing the need for heating and cooling. While offering energy efficiency and aesthetic benefits, challenges include moisture control and access to natural light.

Overall, passive building envelopes include diverse strategies to create sustainable, comfortable, and efficient structures.