I won't belabor the "free design" debate going in a separate thread (other
than to remind everyone that you often get what you pay for) but will offer
my take on your sunspace problem.
You asked: "My main questions are, for energy purposes: What is the
optimal
area and specifications for the windows on the outside wall of the
sunspace? What is the role of the common wall in determining the
energy balance of the house? Does the common wall need to
incorporate thermal mass and if so, how much? What is the optimal
area and specifications for windows in the common wall? Should the
floor slab extend into the sunspace, or does the sunspace have to
have a separate floor? "
As a practicing architect I am compelled to note that determining these
"optimum" items is a complex task and not simply an energy issue. In fact,
this is probably the heart of the decisions which must be made about the
architecture of your dwelling. To answer these questions, you must ask
what the site is like - are there views from the optimally sized windows,
for example. You must askyourself how do I intend to inhabit the
sunspace, what kinds of temperature swings can I tolerate during the day,
what kinds of plants will be in the sunspace and what are their
environmental requirements. You must ask how, indeed, you intend to
inhabit your house - what kinds of activities will take place, when, where
- what times of day will people be in the house - where in the house will
they be - how will they feel there.
Only by answering these kinds of questions could any designer, trained or
otherwise, begin to advise you responsibly about an optimum design. The
balance of sun, mass and shadow will detemine the
thermal/luminous/sensory/comfort characteristics of a passive solar space,
any space, for that matter. (This is part of the art of solar
architecture.) And these characteristics will affect the ways the space
can be used, how it will accommodate you, how it will accommodate your
life.
I hope this does not sound too much like an marketing pitch for engaging
the services of a qualified designer. You are to be congratulated on
asking the tough questions - often the hardest part of design! I think
you will be well served by investing in someone who can help you translate
your dreams into a home that works like you want.
Regarding the Builderguide- I am not familiar with it but if it is the
document available from the Passive Solar Industries Council (PSIC) I would
not be too quick to dismiss its advice. The PSIC material is based on
years of research and experience by Doug Balcomb, one of the pioneers of
passive solar design. You are right to question what it says, particularly
regarding newer technologies, but don't necessarily ignore it because it
does not match your expectations.
If this sounds preachy, I apologize. Oh, and I have no idea where to find
your saw blade.
Muscoe Martin, AIA
Susan Maxman Architects
123 S. 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
76375.3101@compuserve.com
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