Windsor, Colorado Architect for Passive Solar Home Design

Passive solar home design integrates with analysis and refining of initial schematic designs, such as the Site Plan, Floor Plan, Sections and Elevations. As an Architect in Windsor Colorado, adjunct to this we research building codes and energy codes, such as the IECC.

Geographic and climatic data considerations are factored in such as: solar altitude and azimuth, climate zone category and microclimate data. As well, sun path studies, shadow evaluations, adjacent structures and large trees will have an influence on the overall analysis.

Orienting Floor Plan spaces that would typically have a high usage of occupancy, such as the Family Room, would benefit from being oriented within about (15) degrees of True South.

The Sections and Elevations would be instrumental in analyzing window-to-wall ratios (overall and for individual spaces), overhang extension dimensions and building form projection amounts (in particular second story cantilevers).

As well, performance metrics of consideration would be: SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) glazing (windows and doors) specifications, U-Factor (rate of heat loss) from the glazing, lighting loads and thermal mass properties.