PA - Climate Strategies Flashcards
What is the best overall orientation for a building in the northern hemisphere?
principal facade facing south
On which facade do you use overhangs?
South
On which facade do you use vertical sun baffles?
East & West
Where should you place outdoor activities in a hot, humid climate?
where they receive shade from the building or trees
Where should you place outdoor activities in a temperate climate?
where they receive warmth from the sun in winter, spring, fall
Are louvers more effective inside or outside of a building?
exterior, but both work
In cold climates, where should you place the entry?
the south side, where direct sun can melt the snow and ice in winter
Where is the cool region?
Northern part of middle US, mountainous regions of Wyoming and Colorado
Where is the temperate region?
most of the middle latitudes of the US, including northwest and north east
Where is the hot humid region?
southeastern part of US
Where is the hot-arid region?
from southern California across the desert southwest to portions of southern Texas
What are the design strategies for cold climates?
minimize exposed surface area to reduce heat loss (ex. compact forms, buildings with cubical shapes, partially underground)
minimize northern exposure
minimize apertures on northern facade
air locks at entries
landscape to block winter winds
large windows facing south, small windows E & W, minimal or no windows north
use interior materials with high thermal mass
include summer shading for glazed areas
dark or medium colors for building exterior
NOT passive solar heating
What size windows should be on each facade for a cold climate?
large windows facing south, small windows E & W, minimal or no windows north
What should you consider for entry areas in cold climates?
air locks at entries
avoid putting entry on north side
south side is best so the sun can melt snow
What color should the exterior be in a cold climate?
dark or medium dark
