In the US 42% of the residential tertiary energy emissions come from heating and the use of air-conditioning, in France the figure is close to 72%
Source : DOE 2010 Building Energy Data Book
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Source : Observatoir de l'image 2007
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In the LIFEHAUS :
Comfort of heat is easily provided for since the design is created to contain and preserve the thermal energy of the dwelling, making it available at almost no extra cost.
The dwelling being rooted and buried underground, makes it far more resistant to seismic activity.
Comfort of heat is easily provided for since the design is created to contain and preserve the thermal energy of the dwelling, making it available at almost no extra cost.
The dwelling being rooted and buried underground, makes it far more resistant to seismic activity.
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The design circumvents heat loss in the face of freezing winter winds and the scorching summer sun.
It also reduces multiple façade treatment and layers, which include plastering, painting, cladding, wire meshing, masonry, etc. The LIFEHAUS's roof becomes an extension of the ground garden, providing better space quality and area flexibility. |
Source : Passive Annual Heat Storage - John Hait
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LIFEHAUS integrates the following notions to guarantee thermal comfort in winter and summer:
- John Hait's PAHS theory, which promotes the isolation and moisture-protection of the whole building and the surrounding soil around it through the use of an “umbrella”. This leads to a seasonal thermal mass storage in the soil transferred by direct conduction to the living space. The house cools in summer and heats in winter passively, without the need to use any artificial heating techniques. The insulation used in the "umbrella" is composed of naturally treated woodchips and sawdust. |
Source : Passive Annual Heat Storage - John Hait
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-“Earthtubes” ventilation system, is integrated to ensure natural ventilation with minimum heat loss. It is a system that resembles the Canadian well –but with better performance.
- The design also integrates the greenhouse effect and the “trombe wall” system. - Depending on the region and the climate, the LIFEHAUS integrates several ancestral passive building concepts, including wind-catching towers, patios etc. Between the polar circles, the system ensures a comfortable constant temperature during all seasons, without exploiting any artificial polluting heating techniques used in modern housing. |
Source : Passive Annual Heat Storage - John Hait
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