illustrates a passive solar design strategy for a building. This technique takes advantage of the sun's position in the sky to heat and cool a building naturally, reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems.
**Key Elements and How They Work:**
1. **Roof Design:**
* The roof has a distinctive shape with a steeper pitch on one side and a shallower pitch on the other.
* In winter, when the sun is lower in the sky, the steeper roof allows sunlight to penetrate deeper into the building, warming the interior.
* In summer, when the sun is higher in the sky, the shallower roof prevents excessive heat gain by shading the building.
2. **Window Placement:**
* Large windows are positioned on the southern side of the building to maximize solar gain during winter.
* Smaller windows or shading devices can be used on the eastern and western sides to reduce heat gain in the summer.
3. **Thermal Mass:**
* Materials with high thermal mass, such as concrete or brick, can be used to absorb and store heat during the day and release it slowly at night, helping to regulate the indoor temperature.
**Benefits of Passive Solar Design:**
* **Energy Efficiency:** Reduces reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems, saving energy and reducing energy costs.
* **Environmental Friendliness:** Decreases greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy consumption.
* **Improved Indoor Comfort:** Provides a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year.
* **Increased Property Value:** Buildings with passive solar design features often have higher property values.
**Additional Considerations:**
* **Climate:** The specific design of a passive solar building will depend on the climate. In colder climates, the focus may be on maximizing solar gain, while in warmer climates, the focus may be on minimizing heat gain.
* **Building Orientation:** The orientation of the building in relation to the sun's path is crucial. In the Northern Hemisphere, buildings are typically oriente
Twelve years ago, I built this straw bale house for my family—though I should really say we built it, as my wife, Dovilė Rozmanaitė - Bružienė, was both the interior and exterior designer, bringing her best to the project. We’ve been happily living here ever since. While some parts are starting to show wear, we expect it will be another ten to fifteen years before any major repairs are needed. The clay-plastered, textured walls and the excellent air quality inside have become features we can’t imagine living without. In fact, our next house will also be built with straw!
People sometimes raise concerns about mice in straw bale houses. It’s true that some homeowners deal with this issue, as do owners of other types of homes. I can’t say for certain whether straw houses attract more rodents than others, but I believe it largely depends on the quality of construction—whether straw bale/panel or conventional structures. Over the twelve years we’ve lived here, we’ve caught four mice inside and occasionally heard a few nesting in the roof. Four mice over twelve years isn’t a big catch, I should say, especially considering our forested, meadow-rich surroundings, where rodents are common.
From a technical standpoint, good exterior airtightness is key. It prevents warm air and food scents from escaping, which can attract mice. As long as the exterior is well-sealed, I’d argue that uninvited guests are unlikely to bother your home.
This was the first straw bale structure I built. Since then, my team and I have built many more, and I recently published a book on building high-quality straw bale and straw panel homes, sharing the best practices I’ve learned over the years. If you’re considering building a straw home, I encourage you to take a look. If your architect or structural engineer isn’t familiar with this method, the book offers a variety of technical solutions, complete with detailed drawings. Using these insights can help you build a truly high-quality straw home.
If you’re interested in the book, visit
www.strawbuildingbooks.com
