Natural Living: Home Section - Passive Solar
The most effective way to save energy and resources is not to need them in the first place:
Orientation Mass Windows Insulation	The EcoVillage at Ithaca New York is makes extensive use of passive solar. Copyright 2004 John Wilson

Orientation The primary design theory of passive solar design is collect heat from sun light directly by allowing it to enter through windows while at the same time minimize heat loss through windows where the sun is not prevalent. In the norther hemisphere this means a large number of big windows on the south side with minimal or no windows on the other three sides.

Mass Heaving and thick concrete (or brick or stone) flooring or walls provide a large mass to collect and store the heat from the sun. The heat is slowly released from the large mass typically at night when the heat is need in the winter.

Windows High quality windows are able to allow the suns light to enter the home while insulating the heat once captured by the mass. Windows are usually either double or triple paned with an argon or krypon gass filling between the glass layers to improve the insulation or R value.

The holistic and integrated design of the award winning Wilson Natural home combines passive solar heating, passive cooling through the stack effect, green roof cooling, and rain water collection. This design image is used couresy of Martin Liefhebber, the architect of the Wilson Natural Home.. Copyright 2004 Martin Liefhebber

Insulation The extensive use of insulation, as in the straw bale walls below (R50-60), insulate the heat captured using passive solar techniques further adding to the effectiveness of this design.

The straw bale wall on the north side of this home protects the house from the cold north winds. The wall has few windows or doors. The space is used primarily for storage, as a hallway, and for stairs. Copyright 2004 John Wilson

To contact John Wilson about the Wilson Natural home or about the Solar Village development being planned please send an email to john.wilson@naturallifenetwork.com .

More Information on the Web on how you too can take advantage of solar, wind, straw bale, green roofing and to learn much more about the construction of the Wilson home see - http://www.NaturalLifeNetwork.com/wilson .

Breathe Architects / Martin Liefhebber
The firm is the award winning architect for the Wilson House.
Breathe Architects is an unique design firm with leading edge expertise in ecological and renewable energy systems. The firm combines a variety of interrelated disciplines to develop affordable and environmentally adept housing.
Web: www.breathebyassociation.com EMail: info@breathebyassociation.com
Phone: 416-469-0018

Kolapore Construction Inc. (formerly C & R Construction) / Colin Richards
Kolapore Construction is in the custom home construction business with a distinct view to the integration of natural, ecologically friendly, and renewable energy resources.
Email: gregory.richards@sympatico.ca Phone: 905-880-2732

Phantom Electron Corporation / Leonard Allen
We are innovators, committed to a leadership role in the development and utilization of solar electric technologies in mainstream applications. Our team is building a unique company that is powered by vision... a vision that sees our products providing an avenue for transparent integration of renewable energy into everyday markets.
Web: www.phantomelectron.com EMail: sales@phantomelectron.com
Phone: 905-430-6512

News...

Solar in the City: Award Winning Green House Documentary

SunFest Sustainable Living Event

Design eXchange sustainable design award winner 2003

Natural dream - Toronto Star article, 2003

Like an Old-fashioned Barn Raising