Passively Cool House

Stephen Hicks

Drew Reis

Energy Efficient Housing

“Farmhouse Collection” Passively Cool House

For this project we have implemented nine key designs that we believe will create a passively cool house that moderates the temperature inside the model. The design for the house utilizes the top flanges of the cardboard box supplied to create a roof that extends over the walls of the house to provide shade, blocking the solar radiation that would normally heat up the house. We have also placed two large double paned windows on the north side of the house, allowing for the least solar exposure as well as keeping the house insulated. The front door was placed on the west side of the house and is insulated with standard insulation to help maintain the temperature as well as keep air from entering the house. There is foam padding on the floor of the house to assist in temperature and moisture control. At the top of the house we have created small holes or vent that will act as vents to allow for any hot air that may build inside the house to escape, considering that the hot air will rise above the cooler air that is at the bottom of the house. The roof has a layer of cardboard, followed by insulation and a then a layer of white paper. This will allow for minimal heat to be transferred into the house from the sun. We have also placed a brick inside the house to function as a thermal mass that will help to absorb any heat that does enter and help regulate the temperature. The next aspects of our design being the green roof implemented on top in order to both insulate and deter solar energy. The part of design, which we implemented, was to add foliage around the house as to provide shade and protection from the sun. With all this being said we believe all these features will contribute to a passively cool house.