OutsideIN House Uses Passive Solar Elements and Wind to Heat and Cool

Bringing materials from the outside in (literally), the OutsideIN house, by <a href="http://www.fernandavuilleumier.com/" target="_blank">Fernanda Vuilleumier Arquitectura</a>, stands in remote Puerto Natales, Chile. The OutsideIN features Passive Solar elements, which utilize the sun to collect, store and disperse <a href="http://inhabitat.com/new-solar-thermal-flat-panels-are-eight-times-more-efficient-than-existing-technology/" target="_blank">solar power </a>to run the household. Heating and cooling are solar power-run, and daylight illuminates the home thanks to ample and carefully positioned windows and skylights.

Vuilleumier’s goal was to harness the natural forces in the Natales region, and have the OutsideIN home <a href="http://inhabitat.com/south-vancouvers-soaring-sunset-community-center-connects-with-nature/" target="_blank">harmonize</a>, rather than work against them.

The sloped roof was created in response to the strong Northwest Winds that can reach up to 60 mph. The angle and positioning of the roof allow the winds to sweep through and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/sydney-pre-fab-school-sports-naturally-cooled-amoeba-like-facade/" target="_blank">cool the interior</a>.

Alternatively, the sloping roof also collects rain water that can be used for gardening and irrigation.

The exterior of the home uses functional and simple materials. Wooden beams are placed in a V shaped formation to support the slanted roof. Vuilleumier used inexpensive corrugated  metal  to line the front of the façade which faces shade.

The back of the home is an added Trombe wall, which is a glazing and stone wall that  faces the sun and absorbs solar energy. Trombe walls store solar energy and release it selectively toward the interior at night,  and also act as a solar chimney which circulates air throughout the day.

Set by the sea, the OutsideIN home is a functional and economical home which uses the elements of the area to help power the home.