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D'Arrigo Tal-Wi-Wi SHCS Solar Greenhouse

This project outside of Alpine Arizona, was began in May, 2005.  After taping out the entire south face of a remodel project, some preliminary concept drawings emerged that led to a plan set that was submitted to Apache County officials May 15, 2006.

The plan was to add 650 square feet to the south side of the existing structure, adding it to an already ongoing Remodel Permit.

  1. create a 4 foot high retaining wall to the south for water, erosion and bank support
  2. structure the retaining wall and the grade elements inside and outside to primarily manage water and embankment issues historically an issue with the site
  3. fill in and cover the new space created with both a greenhouse and a integrally supportive sauna element
    • a greenhouse was to include 
      1. a SHCS
      2. a galvanized tubular steel frame
      3. primarily passive manual venting with automatic venting included
      4. three distinct climate zones for three ranges of planting material
    • a sauna was to provide supplemental wood sourced heating when needed
  4. provide a multiple use growing and living space with no supplemental heating inputs for 8-10 months of the year
    • the SHCS and greenhouse design was to create different planting zones suitable for plant selections adapted to
      1. Temperate Mediterranean
      2. Sub-tropical humid 
      3. Temperate Desert
  5. provide a green sun space to the usage pattern of the household
  6. provide fresh produce to the household kitchen
  7. decrease the heating costs of the main house by a factor of 30% or more by:
    1. providing additional heat when the solar gain is sufficient
    2. lowering the home's heat loss through south side walls and windows
South west corner of existing building South east corner of existing building

Drawing Set (requires Adobe PDF Reader)

  1. South Elevation Existing
  2. South Elevation of Plan
  3. West Elevation
  4. Floor Plan
  5. Foundation Plan
  6. South Elevation New Framing
  7. Section Detail "D"
  8. Section Detail "L"
  9. Section Detail "M"
  10. Section Detail "N"
  11. Section Detail "O"
  12. Section Detail "Q"
  13. Section Detail "DEE"
  14. Original plan set

 

 

 

Going Concerns Unlimited specializes in designing
  Subterranean Heating and Cooling Systems 
for solar greenhouses. 

John Cruickshank at Going Concerns Unlimited

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Supplying free and low cost consulting services for the sustainably inclined home and land owner since 1976:
  • Greenhouse Structures and Solar Heating

  • Natural Building

  • Permaculture Systems

  • Energy Conservation

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