TURTLE FEATHER CENTRE for SUSTAINABLE LIVING

A simple illustration of a cabin with retrofits

AriDynamic Archictecture for a Simple and Sustainable Desert Dwelling!

Embellish what tou may already have!  From the standpoint of sustainability,it is more environmentally friendly to retrofit existing structures than it is to demolish and replace them.  Sure, these design changes may not be the most effecient since you are working with the possibilities of poor siting and orientation (or simply just poor design in general), however one may be amazed at what a little work with a creative bent is capable of providing!

Passive Solar retrofits can be easy and inexpensive ...as simple as a sun shade or lanscape placement, or as complex a project as a ramada or wind chinmey!

A sunporch, ramada, or awning deflects direct sunlight from wall and window surfaces, as will the proper placement of landscaping.  The less direct sunlight on a surface, the less heat absorbtion!  Heat absorbtion through thermal mass is great in the winter time, however, an unwelcome attribute in the warmer periods.  Breaking up ultraviolet light utilising any method will bring direct results.  Let us think of, say rough exterior surfaces such as hand troweled plaster.  The scales on a reptile's back or the spines on cacti perform this function, as well as others.  Light earthy colours deflect heat as well.  Filtered shade, such as that from trees such as palo verdes, mesquite, or peppers, as well as man made devices such as shade screen fencing provide cooling as well.  Any of these will keep exterior surfaces cool, which translates to cooler interiors as well.

Shutters and sunshades keep direct sunlight from reflecting onto window surfaces and into rooms, which also helps keep interior areas cool.  One can reduce or even eliminate the need for mechanical cooling by keeping interiors cooler for a longer period of time utilising such passive methods. Although shutters may be placed on the inside of windows, such as common louvered units, it is much more effecient to place them outside, where the sunlight is not absorbed by the glass and the space between shutter and glazing allows for pockets of air!

Double roofs with venting and attic air circulation allow unwanted rising hot air to escape from interior surfaces, using convection currents for air movement and distribution.  For example, a roof covered with corrugated steel will heat up on a sunny day, yet as the metal warms, it draws air through the corrugations this circulation keeps the roof decking material itself slightly cooler.  A "dead" space between an interior ceiling equipped with vents and exhaust vents on the roof itself allows a place for hot air to rise into before exhausting, as do transom windows placed above doorways or high ceiling rooms.  A solar chimney or badgir will allow rising hot air to be ventilated very effeciently from a room until the interior temperature is stabilised with that of the outside...then the solar chimney allows cooler air to sink from outdoors and lower the interior temperature as well. 

All without any operating energy, other than a particpant - you!  Remember, a passive house requires an active occupant.

A few helpful hints:

Keep orientation of structure as close to south or southeast as possible, with the majority of window surfaces facing same.  This may be a difficult proposition, as most building codes require standards for window surface in relation to wall surface.  Try to keep the south facing walls shaded with a porch or at least, awnings.

Practice Beauty!

Native or drought tolerant trees and landscaping provide east and south summer shade.  If the area you live in is uncommonly arid or water resources limited, think sun screen fences or natural bushes which may be trained to grow as small trees, such as the much under appreciated creosote or geasewood.

Practice Conservation!

Keep hard  and smooth cement and rock surfaces to a minimum when ever possible.  Remember, those surfaces absorb heat.  If you must utilise these materials in large areas, try to place rougher examples whenever possible.

Use architectural embellishments such as shade walls, windows and door shutters over openings!

Practice Love!

Use a rainwater recovery and storage system to help converve water.

Remember always..."A Passive House Requires an Active Occupant" - Pasquali.