Small and Larger Portals

The small and larger portals in this image give sweeping views of the area. They come off of the bedroom and entry sliding doors on the south west facing side of the house.

Given portal overhangs will limit some of the sun in winter – there will be a possible loss of passive solar gain.But in this instance the homeowner opted to gain more of a view than the self heating aspect of passive solar gain in winter. We always include passive solar for homes we co-design with clients, but in this instance, we acquired building plans already created by another firm.

With less solar gain designed into the design, this home will not be able to take advantage of the heat collection  (mass) of the troweled cement floors and insulated walls. Extra heating costs will occur in winter, but summer temperatures will be cooler inside.