A NATURALLY COOLED FLORIDA HOUSE
(Page 2 of 4)
Another factor that contributes to the energy
efficiency of the Tallahassee residence is the dwelling's
earth sheltering itself. Calculations made prior to
construction had indicated that a large portion of the
necessary tempering could be accomplished by using the soil
as a massive heat sink, since about two-thirds of the
building's wall area—as well as its entire
floor—were slated to be below ground level.
However, data gathered later showed that earth temperatures
low enough for cooling purposes could be found only at a
depth greater than five feet . . . so, to compensate for
the fact that the earth-bermed structure was not
wholly engulfed in soil, the Mad Dog designers
merely insulated its surrounding earthen ramparts with a
two-inch-thick Styrofoam beadboard skirt that extends
outward eight feet from the home's concrete walls.
This protective "collar"—after being covered with
waterproof sheeting and 12 inches of
backfill—serves to minimize the effect of the sun and
ambient air on the soil below (creating stable and
comfortable temperatures at a depth of only four feet, even
during the hottest months). It also provides an effective
watershed that directs surface flow away from, rather than
along, the sides of the building.
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And the innovative
designers didn't stop there:
The Sunbelters also took the opportunity to bury a Givoni
air tube (so named after its developer, Dr. Baruch Givoni)
and a temperature sensor deep within the bean . . .
allowing the home's residents to force cool evening air
through the system to offset the effects of any heat gained
during the day.
Several backup methods of comfort control
were incorporated into the dwelling, as well.
A whole-house attic fan—located in a central
corridor—supplies additional positive ventilation as
required ... and a 1-1/2-ton heat pump can be activated if
air conditioning is needed (the unit is also capable of
operating, more economically, as a noncooling dehumidifier
alone).
When the winter months arrive, many of the same
features that prevent heat accumulation in the
summer can act to retain warmth.
Because the cold season's sun is low and the deciduous
trees have long since shed their leaves by then, the house
receives ample insolation through the unshielded solarium
glazing and the fully opened ceiling shutters . . . which
can be closed at night to hold the day-gathered warmth in.
Furthermore, the contact between the earth berm and the
massive structure provides a 45-day "thermal lag" . . .
which, in effect, permits the earthstored temperature
extremes of the late summer to be dissipated over a period
that extends about a month and a half into the cool season,
thus helping with the heating load.
