MICHAEL ALLAN MOORE, ARCHITECT
The Solar Geometries
buildings represent a logical extension of The
Solar Box series created in AY 2000-2001. As such, they too
attempt to simplify and streamline the design process. The simple geometric
forms---tetrahedron, trapezoid, wedge, cylinder, dome, etc.---might suggest
the Geometric Neoclassicism of Ledoux and Boullee. But the real goal is
sustainable Green Design....
Solar Prism.
1/8" Scale Model with 60-degree beveled exterior walls removed.
Note : A pyramid (in this case actually a truncated pentahedron) creates a large air plenum around all
vertical walls (at all three floor levels). This volume can hold huge amounts
of insulation---or simply function as storage space. At the south
wall, the sixty-degree bevel forms an exciting, three-story solarium space.
This angle also represents maximum collector efficiency for winter sun
altitude angle, i.e. approximately thirty degrees.
The Sun Trap....
The Sun Trap. 1/8" Scale Model from West and Roof Cutaway Indicating Upper Level Floor Plan, Bridge and Two Roof Terraces.
A trapezoid promotes energy efficiency by maximizing the
south wall (and passive solar aperture) and minimizing the north wall.
The solarium space and garage repeat the form. Note photovoltaic panels
at south roofline. Interior atrium offers soaring two-story open space
at center of plan.
The Solar Wedge....
The Solar Wedge. Preliminary Computer Model. View from South.
The
building features a dramatic two-story solarium space. The south wall inclines
at an angle of sixty degrees for maximum collector efficiency (similar
to the Solar Prism, above). The wedge design repeats at the garage/roof
terrace, offering free solar heating (and perhaps food production).
The Solar Wedge. Cutaway View from North Indicating how Floor Plan Completely Surrounds Two-Story Solarium.
All major interior spaces, i.e. living room, dining room, both bedrooms and both north entries wrap around---and protect---the solarium. This contributes to passive solar efficiency in the sunspace.
Several additional samples of Solar Geometries derive from curvilinear forms. One prominent example would be the Solar Hemicycles. These designs attempt to simplify and reduce costs of the original buildings created by Frank Lloyd Wright a half-century ago.
Solar Hemicycles....
This two-story design features a two-story sunspace. All major interior spaces surround it. The large passive solar aperture consists of 16 standard sliding-glass doors. A roof overhang and long deck protect the aperture. An exterior bridge connects to the roof terrace/garage.
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