The Infinity Dimension

Narrative: 

 

The most important climatic issue to address for a building in this climate is mild heating in the winter. Air-conditioning is generally not needed, but it is important to have good passive solar orientation and shading and to take advantage of natural ventilation. The breezes from the coast, from the southwest and northwest, are fairly constant and predictable. On most days passive natural ventilation will provide sufficient cooling for all interior spaces. The building is designed with a series of exterior courtyards with large glass opening doors to induce airflow and provide maximum natural light and ventilation while maintaining privacy. All rooms are arranged in plan to be only one-room deep, further enhancing ventilation and daylighting. The house has no mechanical cooling, which is virtually unheard of for a home of this size. Insulated and thermally broken concrete floors and some concrete walls are strategically placed and used as thermal heat sinks.

High-efficiency lighting, photo and occupancy sensors, and natural daylighting all work together to minimize lighting energy use. Solar-ventilation chimneys, operable windows and skylights (in bathrooms) eliminate the need for mechanical cooling. Large roof overhangs at the east-, west- and south-facing glazed areas help to control and regulate summer and winter heat gain.

Operable windows are strategically placed so that as hot air rises, it passes through and out of each room. Double-glazed low-e windows and increased blown-in cellulose insulation that boosts thermal values 50% above a conventional, wood frame construction.