Ok thanks Arch just wondered about that stuff. I ask about the passive heating and cooling because I have been thinking of incorporating it into my home when I build and I figured you being an architect you might have some in site into it.
Trombe Walls, etc really don't work.
What does work is integrated solar design:
1) Solar orientation.
2) Roof overhangs that block summer sun but allow winter sun in.
3) Solar mass [the best survival house is a partially in-ground design that uses earth of as a massive insulator. The temperature of earth is 55F at about 6 feet...everywhere in the United States].
4) Naturally aspirated ventilation. Designing the locations of windows to encourage summer cross-ventilation based upon the locations prevailing summer winds, etc.
