When embarking on the journey of building a ready-made off-grid home in nature, it is essential to plan meticulously to ensure comfort through passive heating and cooling. When we talk about passive heating and cooling systems, we don’t mean solar panels or batteries, it’s all about the function of the design. Ideally you will want to keep the heat out in summer and keep the heat in in winter, and there are many ways to do this without using extra energy. If you pay attention to these steps, you will have a very sensible strategy that will not only provide a comfortable living environment, but also minimize energy consumption. For example, if you are in a hot climate, it can be as incredibly effective but simple as placing your home in the shade of a large tree.
Taking the “Passive House Principle” developed in Germany in the 80s as an example, you won’t believe how much your energy expenditures can be reduced by making some design changes… Passive Houses standardize concepts such as thermal insulation, airtight construction, thermal bridge-free design, high-efficiency windows and heat recovery ventilation, resulting in energy savings of up to 90% compared to conventional buildings. Well-insulated and highly airtight passive houses aim to utilize as much sunlight as possible. After selecting a plot of land with ideal sunlight, you should orient the longest side of your house to the south if you are in the Northern Hemisphere and to the north if you are in the Southern Hemisphere. This orientation will greatly contribute to naturally heating your home by allowing maximum sunlight penetration during the winter months. (Bere, 2013)
The second step is to add thermal mass to the design of your home. Materials such as concrete, brick or stone can be strategically placed inside to absorb heat during the day and slowly release it at night. Placing thermal mass in areas where it will receive direct sunlight is particularly effective. You should also opt for double or triple glazed windows to reduce heat loss and improve insulation. Speaking of insulation, make sure your home is well insulated, focusing on the roof, walls and floor. Eco-friendly insulation materials such as wool, cellulose or hemp are excellent options. Roof overhangs designed to let in low winter sun while blocking high summer sun can also significantly improve your passive heating strategy. Combining the right sustainable materials for insulation and thermal mass will ensure that the heating you use is not lost through walls, ceilings or floors. (Cornet, 2019)
İkinci adım, evinizin tasarımına termal kütle eklemek. Beton, tuğla veya taş gibi malzemeler, gün boyunca ısıyı emmek ve geceleri yavaşça serbest bırakmak için stratejik olarak içeriye yerleştirilebilir. Termal kütlenin doğrudan güneş ışığı alacağı alanlara yerleştirilmesi özellikle etkilidir. Ayrıca, ısı kaybını azaltmak ve yalıtımı iyileştirmek için çift veya üç camlı pencereleri tercih etmelisiniz. Yalıtımdan bahsetmişken, çatıya, duvarlara ve zemine odaklanarak evinizin iyi yalıtıldığından emin olun. Yün, selüloz veya kenevir gibi çevre dostu yalıtım malzemeleri mükemmel seçenekler. Yüksek yaz güneşini engellerken düşük kış güneşinin girmesine izin verecek şekilde tasarlanmış çatı çıkıntıları da pasif ısıtma stratejinizi önemli ölçüde geliştirebilir. Yalıtım için doğru sürdürülebilir malzemeler ve termal kütlenin birleştirilmesi, kullandığınız ısıtmanın duvarlar, tavanlar veya zeminler aracılığıyla kaybolmamasını sağlayacak. (Cornet, 2019)
The Passive House Principle also focuses on the heat gains from the electronic devices used in the home and the people and animals living inside the building. At this point, a ventilation system with heat recovery minimizes energy losses while providing a balanced and continuous supply of fresh air. Thanks to these systems used in passive houses, energy use and carbon emissions are significantly reduced.
As for passive cooling, natural ventilation is very important. Designing your home with lots of well-placed windows and vents will create a cross-ventilation effect that helps cool the interior. High windows or vents can be particularly useful for venting rising hot air. Shading is another effective strategy; trees, shrubs or pergolas provide natural shade, while exterior shutters or shutters can block direct sunlight. Also, choosing a roofing material with a high solar reflectance index will reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, keeping your home cooler. Earth sheltering techniques such as building into a hillside or using earthen embankments can offer natural insulation and cooling benefits. Using light-colored paint on the roof and exterior walls can also reflect heat and contribute to a cooler indoor environment.
Finally, it is important to emphasize the importance of landscaping. Planting deciduous trees on the south side of your home can provide shade in the summer and allow sunlight in the winter, while evergreen trees on the north side can act as a windbreak and reduce heat loss.
From insulation material to orientation, ventilation to landscaping, every right design decision will play a vital role in making your home a comfortable place to live in summer and winter. Specific details may vary depending on your location, climate and the type of home you choose, but the principles of passive design are universally applicable!
References
Bere, J. (2013). An Introduction to Passive House [Kindle edition].
Cornet, S. (2019). Passive Solar Energy House Projects: DIY Solar Oven, Solar Water Distillation, Passive Solar Home Design, & No HVAC Air Conditioning Earth Tubes [Kindle edition].