CLOSER LOOK GREAT BOW YARD ECO HOMES

This terrace at Great Bow Yard, created by architectural practice Stride Treglown, is a highly successful example of passive solar design. The project makes use of a sunspace, brise soleil shading techniques and high thermal mass to encourage useful solar gain, while minimising the risk of overheating.

The illustrations (right) demonstrate how the houses might function at different times of the year for optimum performance. When unoccupied during hot days, for instance, the internal doors are left closed to ensure that warm air from the sunspace exits via the roof vent rather than flowing into the house. On windy but mild, sunny days in spring and autumn, the outdoor doors can be opened – giving the owners a sheltered space to enjoy. Windows above the internal doors can be opened to allow hot air to escape the main living areas and exit via the roof vent. For more information visit www.stridetreglown.com