Passive Solar Space Heating

The Guest House faces true south and has approximately 75% glass for the southern wall. When the sun is low on the horizon in winter, it floods deep into the house heating the cement slab and thick cordwood walls. With the appropriate overhangs and curtains that are drawn in the evening, heat retention is excellent throughout the winter days and nights. We use wood heat along with in-floor hydronic radiant heat to complement this passive solar design.

We average 2 1/2 cords of wood per season in which 40 degrees below zero is not uncommon. In the summer the thermal mass of the house keeps the space nice and cool due to good insulation and proper shading.

Solar Electricity | Solar Hot Water | Passive Solar Space Heating
Cordwood Masonry | Plastered Strawbale Construction | Log Furniture Building
Composting Toilet System | Sustainable Living | Reforestation