cooling tube 2

Our off-grid home naturally heats and cools itself using heavily insulated thermal mass to regulate temperature. This thermal mass helps maintain a steady indoor temperature around 58°F by absorbing and releasing heat as needed. To maximize warmth during winter, the house is oriented 5–10 degrees east of true south, allowing the low winter sun to shine through the glass facade and heat more than half of the living space. The thermal mass stores this heat, much like a battery, and gradually releases it back into the interior. On sunny winter days, the main greenhouse can reach temperatures of 85°F or more, even during the coldest months.

We take advantage of this warmth by opening operable vents in the greenhouse to circulate the heat into the living areas during the day, then closing them at night to conserve warmth as the greenhouse cools.

In summer, the higher angle of the sun prevents it from reaching beyond the front portion of the greenhouse. This heat differential drives a natural ventilation process, where hot air escapes from the greenhouse and cooler air is drawn in through underground cooling tubes. This convection system acts as a 24/7 non-mechanical air conditioner, keeping the home comfortable year-round.