Designing with sun and shade.

Passive solar design starts with some basic local environmental conditions research.

It is then developed through a combination of building orientation (protection from east and western sun, shielding and capture of northern sun), strategic placement of the different zones within the home, positioning of glazing types across the different compass directions, introduction or use of existing shading, key placement of thermal mass, in conjunction with capturing or deflecting natural breeze paths.

* Not to be confused with PassivHaus design – which is a rigorous performance based modelling and certification system originating in Europe, based on similar principles of passive solar design, but with a much heavier focus on the building envelope, airtightness and mechanical ventilation.