Energy Efficient Buildings

Energy Efficient Mountain Residence

Energy Efficient Mountain Residence

Energy Efficient Mountain Residence

Larkspur Near Net-Zero Guest House Addition

Larkspur Near Net-Zero Guest House Addition

Larkspur Near Net-Zero Guest House Addition - BEFORE

Passive Solar House, Cherry Hills Village, CO

This caretaker’s residence was designed to make passive solar energy an integral part of the architecture. The glass-enclosed stairway serves as a primary solar collector. Its poured-in-place concrete stair cantilevers from a concrete support wall, with both the stair and wall clad in black tile to maximize absorption of the sun’s heat. The thermal mass of the concrete then stores this energy and releases it gradually. Heat collected within the stair enclosure is circulated to the upper level of the residence. When excess heat accumulates, operable skylights above the stairway open to provide natural ventilation. A Trombe wall on the south-facing wall of the lower level serves as a second passive solar collector. Solar heat absorbed and stored by the wall is circulated to both the main floor and basement. During the summer, motorized awnings shade both the stair enclosure and Trombe wall to prevent unwanted heat gain. Sun sensors automatically extend and retract the awnings as needed for effective heat management, while a wind sensor retracts them during high winds. The exterior materials and architectural character of the residence were selected to complement the Owner’s nearby home.

Passive Solar House, Cherry Hills Village, CO

Passive Solar House, Cherry Hills Village, CO

Cross Section Thru Heat Collecting Stairway

Solar Heated House - Denver Country Club Neighborhood

While employed by James Sudler Associates Architects, Robert Larsen was a member of the design team for 180 High Street in Denver, one of the city’s earliest active solar residences. The house utilizes a hot-air solar collector integrated into the sloping south-facing roof. Solar energy heats air within the collector, which is then circulated through a large thermal-storage bin in the basement filled with egg-sized rocks. The rocks absorb and store the heat for later use. When the sun is not shining, the stored heat is drawn from the rock bed and circulated throughout the house. Solar energy is also used to help provide domestic hot water. To further reduce energy consumption, the house is highly insulated, with three inches of rigid foam insulation applied continuously to the exterior walls. The insulation is protected and finished with a synthetic stucco exterior, helping create a highly energy-efficient building envelope. Together, the active solar heating system, thermal storage, solar-assisted domestic hot water, and enhanced insulation made this house an unusually forward-looking example of residential energy-efficient design for its time.

Storing Heat

Heating From Collector

Heating From Storage

Summer Hot Water Storage