This book explores the theories, practices and principles of new approaches to solar architecture that foster both design excellence and low-energy use. In response to the challenges of global warming and climate change, design and technology enable architects to achieve greater performance standards while at the same time developing an environmental aesthetic.
The book showcases ten award-winning buildings to illustrate the aesthetic and technological design integration of solar response in contemporary zero-energy and low-energy architecture.
Towards Zero-Energy Architecture is a much-needed call for the design professions to redefine architecture to help solve ecological problems.
Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Fostering an ecological vision
First LivingHome Model Home, Santa Monica, California, USA,
Ray Kappe Architects/Planners and LivingHomes
Kingspan Lighthouse, Watford, UK, Sheppard Robson
Chapter 2: Prioritizing passive design
Solarsiedlung am Schlierberg, Freiburg, Germany, Rolf Disch Architects
Aldo Leopold Legacy Center, Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA,
The Kubala Washatko Architects
Chapter 3: Defining an ethic of enough
Tim and Karen Hixon (Government Canyon) Visitor Center, Helotes, Texas, USA,
Lake|Flato Architects
SOLTAG Energy Housing, Hørsholm, Denmark,
Nielsen and Rubow, Cenergia, Kuben Byfornyelse Danmark, and Velux Danmark
Chapter 4: Using responsive envelopes
Rozak House, Lake Bennett, Northern Territory, Australia, Troppo Architects
Year 2015 Prototype Home—Made in Germany, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Germany
Chapter 5: Expressing an ecological aesthetic
Steinhude Sea Recreational Facility, Steinhude, Germany,
Randall Stout Architects and Archimedes GmbH
Sino-Italian Ecological and Energy Efficient Building (SIEEB), Tsinghua University,
Beijing, China,
Mario Cucinella Architects
