passive solar
Heat without machinery
Passive solar describes building design that harnesses sunlight for heating and cooling without mechanical systems or moving parts.
The approach relies on strategic placement of windows, thermal mass like concrete or tile floors, and proper insulation to capture, store, and distribute the sun's energy naturally.
The passive solar design kept the house warm all winter with minimal heating costs.
Unlike active solar systems with pumps and panels, passive solar is built into the architecture itself.
Material storing thermal energy
- south-facingOriented toward noon sun
- glazingGlossy protective coating
- sunspaceGlazed room for solar gain
- fenestrationPlacement of openings
overhangs · floor plan · aperture · envelope · zoning · adobe · concrete floors · stone walls
Acquired thermal energy
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
- airtightnessQuality of preventing airflow
- conductionHeat transfer through contact
- convectionHeat transfer via motion
radiation · greenhouse effect · heat retention · warmth · winter sun · double glazing · thermal curtains · heat distribution
Airflow through opposing openings
- natural ventilationAirflow without powered fans
- breezewayRoofed outdoor connector
- cool roofRoof designed to reflect heat
- shadingDepicting light and darkness
louvres · overhangs · deciduous trees · pergola · courtyard · wind tower
Minimizing wasted power
- renewableCapable of restoration
- low-impactMinimally stressful on body
- bioclimaticRelating climate to organisms
- carbon-neutralNet-zero emissions state
net-zero · off-grid · green building · environmental · conservation · lifecycle · LEED · ecological
Illumination from the sun
- clerestoryElevated fenestrated church wall
- skylightsOverhead glass openings
- sun pathSun's daily sky course
- diffuse lightLight spread evenly, not direct
thermal mass
Material storing thermal energy
- south-facingOriented toward noon sun
- glazingGlossy protective coating
- sunspaceGlazed room for solar gain
fenestration · overhangs · floor plan · aperture · envelope · zoning · adobe · concrete floors · stone walls
heat gain
Acquired thermal energy
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
- airtightnessQuality of preventing airflow
- conductionHeat transfer through contact
convection · radiation · greenhouse effect · heat retention · warmth · winter sun · double glazing · thermal curtains · heat distribution · radiant floor
cross-ventilation
Airflow through opposing openings
- natural ventilationAirflow without powered fans
- breezewayRoofed outdoor connector
- cool roofRoof designed to reflect heat
shading · louvres · overhangs · deciduous trees · pergola · courtyard · wind tower
energy efficiency
Minimizing wasted power
- renewableCapable of restoration
- low-impactMinimally stressful on body
- bioclimaticRelating climate to organisms
carbon-neutral · net-zero · off-grid · green building · environmental · conservation · lifecycle · LEED · ecological
natural light
Illumination from the sun
- clerestoryElevated fenestrated church wall
- skylightsOverhead glass openings
- sun pathSun's daily sky course
passive solarforced-air heating
Ductwork-distributed furnace warmth
active cooling · HVAC systems · mechanical ventilation · heat pumps · air conditioning