Solar Sense
- Natural daylight reaches most areas: Less need for artificial illumination, easier on the eves.
- Light enters the Atrium Auditorium through East windows and reflections beamed on wall behind podium.
- Light to the rear of the atrium enters the structure from behind the berm facing the parking lot and Landmark building. These light pipes give these underground spaces an open feeling. Both the kitchen and bathrooms have natural light.
- Summer sun reflects off the roof and the Winter sun heats the South wall. Both reduce need for cooling/ heating and enhance mechanical ventilation.
Madison is 43 degrees latitude. The noon sun at summer solstice comes from about 70. (Vertical is 90.) At the equinox the noon sun reaches 40. At winter solstice the sun reaches 35.- The eaves of the south wall extend so that rays over 50 degrees do not warm the wall. Cool air is drawn into the building through the natural ventilation and is directed upward to flush out heat. In winter months air is warmed by rays reaching the south wall, so ventilation is preheated before reaching the radiant floor.
- Design uses the same principles as the Landmark structure, albeit a different conformation.
Benefit
The Atrium building requires less electric energy than conventional roof/cave treatments. Natural light is more comfortable for the human eye.
Ducts in the south wall are essential to natural ventilation. They allow geothermal to attain desired temperatures with less capacity (lower initial and operating costs).