NATALIYA GLUKHOMAN

Final Project

PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN

Solar orientation of the house has a powerful effect on

comfort and energy use. Passive solar design sharply

reduces the amount of energy a house will consume

using solar energy to heat homes in the winter and keep

them cooler in summer. The standard passive solar

house has a long east/west axis with most of its glass on

the south side of the house.

To build a passive solar house, costs no more than in

comparison with a conventional house. Energy bills are

reduced by at least 75% for the life of the house.

MAJOR WINDOWS FACING SOUTH

Ideally, major windows should face within 30 degrees of

true south. Even in winter, rooms with south-facing

windows can be warm and comfortable. South-facing

windows with some kind of shading allows the low winter

sun in for heat yet blocks the summer sun and thereby

helped to keep the owners cool.

ROOF OVERHANGS AND TREES FOR

SHADING

A proper passive solar house call for summer shading on the south, east,

and west. This usually is accomplished with overhangs, foliage and

porches. Designing roof overhangs over south-facing windows help sun to

penetrate the house in winter and block in summer. The overhangs help

shade a large expense of glass making house cooler in summer but still

allowing filtered sunlight inside. Deciduous trees on the south and east side

of the house offer shade in the summer but drop their leaves to admit light

during the winter. A band of evergreens on the north and west will blocks

the wind in winter.

The cost of the trees around the perimeter of the house approximately

would cost around $500-$1000 for the homeowner. In about 2-3 years, the

homeowner would have fully grown trees that will perform as a great

shading barrier from the sun.

FIBERGLASS, DOUBLE-GLAZED, LOW-E

WINDOWS

Window frames made from fiberglass are stable and energy efficient. They

expand and contrast exactly like the glass they hold. This reduces window

failures due to extreme cold and heat. Low-E is an energy efficient glass

solution that is capable of using natural light and keeping in heat at the

time the owners will most benefit from it. Windows with Low-E insulating glass

can save money and make the owners more comfortable all year around.

Also, a Low-E window designed for the south wall of a passive solar house

should have a low U-factor conjoined with a high SHGC.

WATER MANAGEMENT

Control storm water runoff on site with perimeter drains,

gutters, and subsurface drainage systems that

accommodate anticipated groundwater levels and

average rainfall. Also, large outdoor water tanks can store

hundreds of gallons of water for use later in irrigation or,

with proper treatment, for drinking and cooking.

Water storage tank prices range from $350 to $700.

INSULATED CONCRETE SLAB

Insulating the entire concrete slab with rigid foam

insulation is a better approach than insulating only the

perimeter, even if initial costs are higher. This is especially

important when using radiant-floor heat in a slab.

RADIANT-FLOOR HEAT

Air is not only medium that can be used to distribute heat

around the house. Water for a radiant-floor heating system is

typically heated by a boiler, but passive solar design and

energy-saving building techniques may allow the use of a

conventional water heater, a much less expensive option.

And when the tubing is installed in a concrete or other high-

mass floor, there are parallel benefits to be had as passive

solar thermal mass.

Radiant-floor heat costs around $7 to $19 per sq. ft.

AAC BLOCKS FOR WALLS AND FLOOR

AAC replaces the wood framing, wood siding, wood

sheathing, insulation, synthetic wrap, and sheet rock. Another

big advantage of this product is that AAC is fireproof, rot-

proof, termite-resistant, mold-proof, and substantially

soundproof. AAC minimize costs and save time while

maintaining high quality standards. AAC blocks is

manufactured with entrained air to boost R-values.

AAC blocks costs approximately $11 per sq. ft. or $50-$60 per

cubic meter.

SIPS BLOCKS FOR ROOF

Structural insulated panels are a combination of foam

insulation and skins of oriented stand board. They combine

insulation and structure in a single component. SIPs can be

used for floors, walls, and roofs. Houses built with SIPs are

highly efficient, comfortable, and have virtually no air

infiltration. Operating costs are half or less of a conventional

house.

SIPs panels cost from $4.27 to $5.52 per sq. ft.

CONCRETE TILE FOR ROOF

Tile has inherent insulation properties due to its high thermal mass. This

helps reduce peak energy demand and energy costs – making

house more comfortable to live in and less costly to heat and cool.

Concrete tile is made from naturally occurring, locally-sourced,

plentiful raw materials making it an excellent green product. Houses

with a roofs that are made from concrete tiles adds curb appeal,

reduces maintenance, improves energy efficiency and improves

protection from the elements.

Energy efficient roof systems that are made from concrete tile, save

up to 22% per year on heating and cooling costs compared to the

standard asphalt shingle roof. A single family home can save an

average of $15 to $20 per month immediately. Over a 30 year period,

the homeowner can save about $20,000. Material - $100 per sq. ft.

Installation - $7-$10 per sq. ft.

STUCCO

Stucco, which is a cement-based mixture, though

expensive, makes an excellent siding choice. When

properly applied it is extremely durable and requires very

little maintenance. Stucco is a green product made only

with lime, silica sand, and white cement. It can be installed

directly over concrete block or stone, wood-sheathed walls,

or special XPS foam for exterior insulation.

Conventional stucco costs range from $4.20 to $6.30 per sq.

ft. Installation costs per sq. ft. reaches from $6.61 to $11.29. A

1200 sq. ft. wall area will cost approximately $4400.

CONCRETE WITH FLY ASH

Fly ash is a by-product of coil-fired energy plants produced

by the millions of tons. Concrete that uses a high volume of

fly ash has a number of benefits. It diverts the waste from

landfills and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by cutting

the amount of Portland cement in the mix. It has a higher

compressive strength, is more durable and less permeable.

Also it shrinks less, and as result, it reduces cracking.

The cost of Fly Ash is generally less than Portland Cement

depending on transportation. The use of Fly Ash may

impart considerable benefits to the concrete mixture over

a plain concrete for less cost.

PEX TUBING FOR PLUMBING

Tubing made from cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a

greener alternative to copper and PVC tubing. It is much

faster and cheaper to install because it can bend around

corners without an extra fitting and the plastic is highly

durable.

Prices for PEX tubing depend on size and ft. coil and range

from $150 to $600.

SEALING HOLES AROUND ELECTRICAL

WIRES AND PLUMBING PIPES

Sealing holes around electrical wires and plumbing

pipes is an essential part of creating an effective air

barrier. The air barrier is the way to keep the conditioned

air in the house and stop heating or cooling the

outdoors. Expanding urethane foam makes a good

sealant for electrical wires and plumbing pipes.

AN ON-DEMAND WATER CIRCULATION

SYSTEM

An on-demand water circulation system gets hot water

to a distant bathroom quickly just before it is needed.

Unused water is re-circulated instead of going down the

drain. This process eliminating most of the wait and all of

the waste.

Standard an on-demand water circulation system costs

around $350.

BAMBOO FLOORING

Bamboo is environmentally friendly, sustainable, rapidly

renewable resource, recyclable, and also a durable flooring

choice. A few species of bamboo have same strength ratio of

steel and almost twice the compression ratio of concrete.

Bamboo do not promote dust or harbor dust mites, made with

safe resins, and have extremely low formaldehyde emissions.

Bamboo saves money because it is cheap and readily

available material. Production and transportation of bamboo

is cheaper than other materials. Because of its qualities

bamboo is an inexpensive alternative to hardwood flooring.

Bamboo flooring costs range from $1.49 to $2.69 per sq. ft.

CONTERTOPS MADE FROM CONCRETE

AND RECLAIMED WOOD

Concrete is a green choice for countertops, though it is

porous and will stain if it is not sealed or waxed

periodically. It can be formed into an infinite variety of

shapes and enlivened with pigments, inlays, and

decorative aggregate. My favorite is a combination of

concrete and reclaimed wood. Such a beautiful and

“green” union. Wood for countertops must be sealed

carefully, especially around the sink, and should be

resealed as the finish wears through.

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SECOND FLOOR PLAN