I never really know where to place my posts under the building section, as they don't truly fit one forum. Anyway, I was just hoping to get some opinions of people that have dealt with passive technologies. So my original plan was somewhat of a modern take on an earthship. I don't have the manpower to build a real one and probably my climate isn't the best for one. The plan was for a building approx 72'x24' southern facing using a
concrete slab as foundation and concrete for the north wall. The roof would be steel pitched to collect rain
water on the north side and allow the correct southern exposure angle on the south side. The south wall would include as many windows and sliding doors as possible. I planned to
berm up the north wall and run 4 cooling tubes through this berm and add roof vents on the highest part of the roof on the southern side. I also planned to build some type of mass fire place. I know rocket stoves are more efficient but I want some enjoyment of the flames as well. Eventually I planned to be off grid but will be on grid for a year or 2 until I can get a good read on
energy usage and then I plan to switch to
solar for that. So the technologies include rain collection, passive
solar heating and heat capture on the slab floor, earth bermed rear wall to stabilize interior temps, cooling tubes and roof vent for passive cooling, and mass fireplace for heat. I plan to supplement heat with
wood burning stoves in the bedrooms and assist with cooling with mini split a/c unit.
I am in Missouri and we have very hot humid summers typically and cold dry winters. I was just reading a post on here about cooling tubes being a poor choice for humid climates. Plus I would be unable to place the tube entrance at a lower elevation than the exit if I went below grade instead of only through the berm. The house is to be built somewhere near the lowest elevation besides a solid rock creek making it impossible to place the tubes below grade. Is there any type of cooling I can use the creek for? What kind of passive technologies would you recommend in that type of climate? What would you change about the plans? I
should mention the windows on the southern wall are somewhat non negotiable. I want a constant view of nature. Should I ditch the berm since I would only be able to do one wall? Is rain collection more cost effective than drilling a well? My goal is really just to get off grid in a simple but comfortable home that is energy efficient. As far as the technologies involved I am not set on any one or the other. Thanks in advance for the tips!
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