One of the most rewarding applications of permaculture design is the creation of a warm, light-filled and interactive space to live -that is an expression of the surrounding landscape and the skills and interests of the owner.
The following topics are explored in this masterclass:
The following topics are explored in this masterclass:
- Passive solar: Creating warm and light filled homes.
- Natural materials: Utilising the most appropriate natural materials for your site and design.
- Earth ships: Exploring the design and function of self-contained earth ships.
Exclusive 50% link to join the Ecological Farming Certificate - starting Feb 2024
Topics
Introduction Videos
|
|
|
|
A Passive Solar House with Natural Materials
Building passive solar houses with natural materials ties in beautifully with the ambitions of a permaculture design on a farm. There are a wide range of natural materials and techniques to choose from and it is up to the designer to pick those most appropriate to the environmental conditions of their site with resources that are most abundant and easily accessed in their region. Exciting design possibilities exist for combining passive solar house design, with small houses and use of natural and sustainable materials.
Many of the natural materials allow a designer / builder to fashion a living space that reflects their unique character to create a home of unique beauty that nurtures their creative spirit which they can express in the work they do in the world.
Passive solar construction is a very attractive design philosophy as not only does it save energy, but it also reduces dampness and condensation, improves sound insulation, increases the durability of building materials and makes the home healthier. Passive solar construction uses the sun to warm the house. Heat is absorbed into the building and slowly released back into the house as it cools.
Solar heating can be the sole source of warmth or can be supplemented by other sources. Consequently, passive solar design has the potential to reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions. Houses consume nearly 35% of the total electricity generated in New Zealand. Unfortunately, the majority of New Zealand houses do not use energy efficiently. Space and water heating are the predominant uses of energy in a home, and energy savings in these areas are easily achieved.
Hot summers and cold winters are a challenging combination for solar buildings,and attention needs to be paid to both summer and winter conditions. Chillweather conditions can be warmed with correct window design to admit as much solar heat as possible, the right materials to store as much heat as possible and plenty of insulation to conserve heat. A home can be kept cool in summer without the need for air-conditioning, by correct placement of shading, ventilation and insulation (although flexibility needs to be built into systems to allow for unusual weather conditions, eg hot winters or cool summers).
These basic principles can produce year-round comfort in your home for little cost and can be applied to existing houses as well as renovations. The initial extra cost (if any) is paid back over time in savings on energy costs. Passive solar designed buildings can be low tech and need not cost any more than standard construction. Leading edge technologies such as specialist window treatment films, automatic window controls or computer-aided design can be used but these are not essential to capture the age-old virtues of free solar heat.
Many of the natural materials allow a designer / builder to fashion a living space that reflects their unique character to create a home of unique beauty that nurtures their creative spirit which they can express in the work they do in the world.
Passive solar construction is a very attractive design philosophy as not only does it save energy, but it also reduces dampness and condensation, improves sound insulation, increases the durability of building materials and makes the home healthier. Passive solar construction uses the sun to warm the house. Heat is absorbed into the building and slowly released back into the house as it cools.
Solar heating can be the sole source of warmth or can be supplemented by other sources. Consequently, passive solar design has the potential to reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions. Houses consume nearly 35% of the total electricity generated in New Zealand. Unfortunately, the majority of New Zealand houses do not use energy efficiently. Space and water heating are the predominant uses of energy in a home, and energy savings in these areas are easily achieved.
Hot summers and cold winters are a challenging combination for solar buildings,and attention needs to be paid to both summer and winter conditions. Chillweather conditions can be warmed with correct window design to admit as much solar heat as possible, the right materials to store as much heat as possible and plenty of insulation to conserve heat. A home can be kept cool in summer without the need for air-conditioning, by correct placement of shading, ventilation and insulation (although flexibility needs to be built into systems to allow for unusual weather conditions, eg hot winters or cool summers).
These basic principles can produce year-round comfort in your home for little cost and can be applied to existing houses as well as renovations. The initial extra cost (if any) is paid back over time in savings on energy costs. Passive solar designed buildings can be low tech and need not cost any more than standard construction. Leading edge technologies such as specialist window treatment films, automatic window controls or computer-aided design can be used but these are not essential to capture the age-old virtues of free solar heat.