Passive Solar House Design

Question 1

Positioning of Building

Answer 1

The longest side of the building facing north (in south hemisphere)
Have many windows to allow winter sun in
Large eaves to block summer sun

Question 2

Positioning of Rooms

Answer 2

Place rooms used during day in north to make most of winter sun
Bedrooms placed in southern end to stay cool during summer

Question 3

Insulation

Answer 3

Double glazed windows (air pocket in between, air poor conductor of heat, slows flow of heat into house)
Double brick walls
Fibreglass insulation in walls/ceiling

Question 4

Shade

Answer 4

Trees and other sources can prevent sunlight entering a house
Deciduous lose leaves in winter, letting summer sun in

Question 5

Thermal mass

Answer 5

A materials ability to absorb, store and release heat

Question 6

High thermal mass

Answer 6

Brick, stone, concrete
Helpful in summer because they absorb lots of heat before slowly releasing into house
In winter they absorb heat during day and release during night