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pewellman · 05-22-14, 10:58 AM

Daox,
Thanks for the post. I think this is a topic that does not get enough air play.
I tried to post a link to some pertinent info but I can't cause I am a newbe.
I suggest you google:
https://www.thenaturalhome.com/passivesolar.html
The double wall is a good idea for circulation but you need an insulation layer between the outside environment and the structure itself.
Here is a great example of how this idea works:
BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE: Green Building in Zimbabwe Modeled After Termite Mounds | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building
It is a great lesson on thermal mass and ventilation for natural living.
Those termites are awfully damn smart!
The thermal mass of the structure allows for the storage and transfer of energy (heat/cold) when the outside is not an ideal temperature whether that difference is hot or cold.
Here is a slightly upscale design I am working on for Jamaica employing these ideas:
http://greenearthstructures.com/1553vedaville.pdf
Here is one that is designed with rising water as a potential issue:
http://greenearthstructures.com/1612raised.pdf
I am thinking more and more that the idea of a basement rather than slab on grade is a good idea and might re-design the vedaville model to include this.
These designs are engineered to withstand regional earthquake and hurricane loads.
Both models incorporate rainwater harvesting.
The materials used are (pretty much) readily available anywhere.
Here is a design for a 4 season greenhouse I am working on using the same principals:
http://greenearthstructures.com/hatfieldgrnhouse.pdf
If I were to build in northern climes I would add a sunspace as Wyatt suggests. Adding radiant heat to the space as I moved farther north. As Jonr suggests humidification is a good option in dry climates.
The idea also works quite well for a re-model. Simply put an insulation layer of whatever works in your area on the outside and WaLa you have a super efficient remodel.

05-22-14, 10:58 AM	#10
pewellman Lurking Renovator Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Rifle, Colorado Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Daox, Thanks for the post. I think this is a topic that does not get enough air play. I tried to post a link to some pertinent info but I can't cause I am a newbe. I suggest you google: https://www.thenaturalhome.com/passivesolar.html The double wall is a good idea for circulation but you need an insulation layer between the outside environment and the structure itself. Here is a great example of how this idea works: BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE: Green Building in Zimbabwe Modeled After Termite Mounds \| Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building It is a great lesson on thermal mass and ventilation for natural living. Those termites are awfully damn smart! The thermal mass of the structure allows for the storage and transfer of energy (heat/cold) when the outside is not an ideal temperature whether that difference is hot or cold. Here is a slightly upscale design I am working on for Jamaica employing these ideas: http://greenearthstructures.com/1553vedaville.pdf Here is one that is designed with rising water as a potential issue: http://greenearthstructures.com/1612raised.pdf I am thinking more and more that the idea of a basement rather than slab on grade is a good idea and might re-design the vedaville model to include this. These designs are engineered to withstand regional earthquake and hurricane loads. Both models incorporate rainwater harvesting. The materials used are (pretty much) readily available anywhere. Here is a design for a 4 season greenhouse I am working on using the same principals: http://greenearthstructures.com/hatfieldgrnhouse.pdf If I were to build in northern climes I would add a sunspace as Wyatt suggests. Adding radiant heat to the space as I moved farther north. As Jonr suggests humidification is a good option in dry climates. The idea also works quite well for a re-model. Simply put an insulation layer of whatever works in your area on the outside and WaLa you have a super efficient remodel. Last edited by Daox; 05-22-14 at 01:33 PM..