Event Description

This course will begin with a description of the science behind a Trombe Wall, along with its benefits and limitations. Next, we will discuss building orientation and design considerations for integrating a Trombe Wall system into the building's energy and performance goals. Following the design, Mike Mahon will discuss the process for planning and building a Trombe Wall. The lesson will be centered on a Trombe Wall that was designed and built for a custom home in Ann Arbour, Michigan, that achieved (PHIUS) Passive House Certification and the 2019 Certified Green Home Award from the West Michigan Chapter of the USGBC.

The goal for this event is to educate teachers, students, architects and builders about the value and methods for building a Trombe Wall and to serve as a resource for people looking for more information about the subject.

"When we (Adaptive Building Solutions) embarked on this idea to integrate a Trombe Wall into a custom home seeking passive certification, I was surprised to see that there was very little information available online. I was also surprised that there was only one other builder in South Michigan who had built a Trombe Wall, and that they had to build it twice because the first attempt failed. Using the information I gathered from that builder, we were able to identify the challenges they faced and adapt our process to have less risk for failure and better results. I am grateful there are builders out there that are bold enough to take on new challenges like this, and more grateful that they are willing to share information about mistakes and lessons learned. This collaborative approach allows us to work towards optimisation and efficiency, which leads to successful outcomes and happy clients."

Lessons Learned - 

1. Understand that the integration of a Trombe Wall can significantly improve indoor health by enhancing natural light and temperature regulation within a home.

2. Analyze the building process of a Trombe Wall to ensure safety by incorporating lessons learned from previous construction challenges faced by others in the field.

3. Introduce collaborative practices among builders and architects to promote the welfare of the community by sharing knowledge and resources to optimize sustainable building methods.

4. Articulate the importance of passive design strategies, like the Trombe Wall, in achieving energy efficiency goals that contribute to the long-term welfare of both residents and the environment.