Best shapes for buildings in the desert

Discussion in 'General chat' started by Wayneburg, Jan 12, 2009.

  1. Wayneburg

    Wayneburg Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 23, 2008
    Messages:
    7
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Hello,

    Anyone know where I can find information about the best shapes to design a building for the hot desert? I would assume a shape like a dome or a cylinder would expose the least amount of surface area to the sun and therefore reduce the amount of sunlight that strikes the building's surface.

    Any thoughts?


    Thanks
     
  2. gardenlen

    gardenlen Group for banned users

    Joined:
    May 14, 2004
    Messages:
    3,464
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Re: Best shapes for buildings in the desert

    dunno i suppose but would imagine some that is good on insulation adn creates its own shade. or take a page out of the book of people living in lighting ridge or cooba pede(i think?) over here in australia they found the best way is underground, the air temp is always stable and consistant under there. maybe take a cue from how teh critters do it?

    len
     
  3. RobWindt

    RobWindt Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2006
    Messages:
    138
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Re: Best shapes for buildings in the desert

    Thinking about "how the critters" do it - have a look at the large termite mounds in northern Aus', they have a "squeezed" oval shape tapering towards the top that presents the minimal area to the sun at high noon, they also use the heat generated at the top to draw cooling air through the structure.
    I've always fancied the idea of two of these side by side with a shaded courtyard (with windbreaks) between them for desert dwelling, or the venturi shape between two such structures could be suitable for a wind turbine
    Cheers
    Rob
     

Share This Page

-->