Passive design is design that works with your environment. It also focuses on your available climate to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home. When it is done well, it can reduce the need for additional heating or cooling in some locations.
These days, sustainable design is at the forefront of people’s minds. If you’re currently thinking about building a new home, or doing some renovations, you may have come across a phrase called ‘solar passive design’.
Solar passive design takes advantage of the climate to maintain a comfortable temperature range in the home. It reduces or eliminates the need for auxiliary heating or cooling. Heating or cooling accounts for about 40 per cent of energy use in the average Australian home.
Solar passive design is all about taking advantage of your environment. Whatever environment is freely available, before you have to pay for energy to condition the space.
A solar passive house is simply a house that’s been designed to require as little energy as possible to heat in winter, and cool in summer.
Using passive principles such as correct window placement and house orientation, you can create a modern home with all the conveniences you would expect that will save money in the long-run and is more comfortable to live in.
One of the most important strategies to it is designing for the climate. Orientation is vital. It helps make the most of natural sources of heating and cooling, such as the sun and cooling breezes. Using materials that can absorb and store heat.
Find expert advice, tips and information on passive design on Style Curator.
