Earth-Integrated Direct Gain Residence Using Concrete Cored Slab

摘要

An earth-integrated direct gain residence designed for central Iowa is now under construction in Ames. The house has two 44-ft by 25-ft levels, is sunk into the ground, is bermed on the north, east, and west sides, and has 500 sq. ft. of southern glazing. The main thermal storage is the floor between the two levels. It consists of 8-inch-thick concrete cored slab, which has long cylindrical holes running its length, and a 2-inch topping. The cores will serve as supply-return ducts for a forced air system. A small fan will pull air through the cores from south to north by day and in the opposite direction by night. The slab will radiate warmth up and down to the two levels. The house is calculated to be about 85 percent solar and require 6 million BTU auxiliary in a typical 6800-degree-day heating season. (ERA citation 04:038469)