Raymond Smith’s Cool Modern Barnhouses Spurn Ailing South African Grid
Posted By Tafline Laylin On February 18, 2011 @ 4:30 pm In Architecture | 2 Comments
An intermediate mezzanine floor provides for more space, but keep the houses compact and comfortable. Large north-facing windows [8] with sliding aluminum louvers make optimum use of the Western Cape’s copious summer sun [9], and they also open to sensational views of the adjacent Brody Link Nature Reserve [10]. When the sun is too hot to handle [11], cool southeasterly winds bring interior temperatures down a notch without using any mechanical devices.
Photovoltaic panels [12] installed on the north roof slope coupled with vertical axis wind turbines [13] on the garage’s flat roof (for wet and woolly winter days) will provide DC power for 12V energy-saving lighting and other electrical needs. Natural gas will be used for cooking.
Plastic piping fed under metal roof sheeting pre-heats thermal solar geysers, while additional thermal piping circulates hot water under concrete flooring, providing warmth without exorbitant heating bills [14].
Rainwater harvested [15] in metal water tank gables made from Cor-Ten [16] colored steel receives its pressure from the system’s design. And with a final, eco-svelte touch, Raymond uses less-toxic hydrated lime in lieu of plaster [17].
Outside space has also been reserved for a constructed wetland [18] and vegetable garden, completing the self-sufficiency loop. With no shortage of energy, food, or serenity, these contemporary barn houses covet that cozy country feel [19] without sacrificing an ounce of efficiency.
+ Raymond Smith [20]
Article printed from Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building: http://inhabitat.com
URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/raymond-smiths-cool-barnhouses-spurn-ailing-south-african-grid/
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[5] : http://inhabitat.com/raymond-smiths-cool-barnhouses-spurn-ailing-south-african-grid/raymond-smith-barnhouse-north-elev/?extend=1
[6] renewable energy: http://www.inhabitat.com/energy
[7] architect: http://www.inhabitat.com/architecture
[8] north-facing windows: http://inhabitat.com/neo-solar-power-headquarters-has-a-striking-blue-folded-facade/
[9] copious summer sun: http://inhabitat.com/great-barrier-island-solar-home-elevated-on-stilts-to-avoid-flooding/
[10] Nature Reserve: http://inhabitat.com/uks-first-floating-nature-reserve-visitor-centre-is-almost-complete/
[11] sun is too hot to handle: http://inhabitat.com/solar-power/
[12] Photovoltaic panels: http://inhabitat.com/israeli-company-unveils-floating-solar-panels/
[13] wind turbines: http://inhabitat.com/usda-grants-204-million-loan-for-100-turbine-wind-farm-in-south-dakota/
[14] exorbitant heating bills: http://inhabitat.com/5-tips-to-cut-your-electricity-bill-with-green-energy-expert-david-johnston/
[15] Rainwater harvested: http://inhabitat.com/award-winning-tasmanian-addition-takes-advantage-of-rain-and-sun/
[16] Cor-Ten: http://www.cortenroofing.com/
[17] in lieu of plaster: http://inhabitat.com/fly-ash-pollution-could-be-used-as-a-construction-material/
[18] constructed wetland: http://inhabitat.com/aga-khan-award-for-architecture-wadi-hanifa-wetlands/
[19] cozy country feel: http://inhabitat.com/green-roofed-houses-in-poland-respect-the-views/
[20] + Raymond Smith: http://www.raymondsmith.co.za/RS_Architecture.htm
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