The art of thermal mass
From cave dwellers to pueblo builders, early people of the southwest used the earth to moderated the extremes of their climate. Now, at the turn of the 21st century, a Colorado builder combines ancient knowledge with high technology to create modern homes that stay naturally warm in the winter and cool in the summer. With passive solar design, incorporating lots concrete mass, Judy Niemeyer builds custom homes that hardly even need thermostats. Before clients Ralph and Sharon Dickman stumbled into Niemeyer, owner of Tierra Concrete Homes in Pueblo, Colorado, thermal mass was not in their vocabulary. Now, when temperatures reach 100 F (38 C) in July and their neighbors are running up their electric bills, the Dickmans are saving for vacation. With the thermal mass integrated into their new home, they don't need a cooling system. And in winter, their gas-fired log fireplace is about all they need to supplement the sun. ``We love the natural lighting, the open feeling and the great view out the huge windows,'' says Sharon. And they stay comfortable year-round with very low energy bills.
- OSTI ID:
- 20006008
- Journal Information:
- Solar Today, Vol. 13, Issue 5; Other Information: PBD: Sep-Oct 1999; ISSN 1042-0630
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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