My setting is in Whistler, BC, Canada. A place where the highest temperature is 80ºF for only two months and the lowest being 23ºF for most of the year. Wind direction from South-West, wih high preciptation and snow.
So my design had to incorporate a way to take advantaje of this elements while also protecting it, Prospect and Refuge, I think someone called it.
I figured that since it is so cold during most of the year I would want to take advantage of the sun, therefore having openings for light was necessary . The posittion is not so much important since the sun would be doing a 180º and it would never be very hot. If rain, snow or wind come from any direction, my windows would close up and become covered by pieces that when not in use, they integrate with the façade.
Since Whistler is in the Blackcomb Mountain are, the view is the most important aspect of my design. It all about the destination. Coming in from a narrow, dimly lit corridor, the destination would be a living/dinning are with a 2-floor height, and since it faces North- West, it would have a great view of the sunset.
A rain collection system was crucial also. I cannot depend of solar power since the days are very muggy and dim. My energey would come from the rain water collected as well as the snow, which would be transformed into water by a special geothermal system connected with the house.
This system would not only keep the water from freezing, but also would serve as the main source of heat for the house. Its power would come from the water system, so the water system is autosufficient. As they say "Energy is not created, it transforms", well my energy tranforms from hidraulic to thermal and back to hidraulic to create a cycle.
No comments:
Post a Comment