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260b-passive-solar.jpg

260B: Introduction to Passive Solar for Earthen Buildings

$195.00

ON-DEMAND 200-LEVEL

This two-hour online class is a condensed introduction to passive solar for earthen buildings taught via a series of video modules. This course gives an overview of the passive solar design, materials and construction techniques used by Loescher Meachem Architects in their adobe projects. As an AIA-accredited class, architectural professionals will also have the opportunity to earn 2 HSW Learning Units.

ON-DEMAND 200-LEVEL

This two-hour online class is a condensed introduction to passive solar for earthen buildings taught via a series of video modules. This course gives an overview of the passive solar design, materials and construction techniques used by Loescher Meachem Architects in their adobe projects. As an AIA-accredited class, architectural professionals will also have the opportunity to earn 2 HSW Learning Units.

Learn about passive solar adobe design, materials and construction techniques.

 

Workload

2 hours (7 video modules + final exam). You will have until the end of the current year from the time of registration to complete the course.

 

Course Topics

  1. Safety

  2. Building Orientation & Design Basics

  3. Glazing & Thermal Mass Strategies

  4. Insulation & Energy Conservation Strategies

  5. Shading & Natural Cooling Strategies

Who is it for?

This course is suitable for building professionals, DIYers, natural building enthusiasts, adobe homeowners, aspiring owner builders, and the adobe curious.

Course Learning Objectives

  • Learn about safety in earthen construction.

  • Learn about the 3 major passive solar adobe systems (direct gain, Trombe wall and greenhouse).

  • Learn about site planning and building layout for optimum solar gain.

  • Learn to size passive solar glazing.

  • Learn about thermal storage of heat and cool using adobe.

  • Learn to calculate window shading for passive cooling.

  • Learn about passive solar insulation strategies.

Instruction Type

This is a virtual class held using an online classroom platform hosting videos and supplemental reading materials. Practice and mastery are achieved via field-project demonstrations and a 10-question written exam. Instruction is asynchronous with all video content modules accessible to you when you register. Students can participate whenever their schedule allows.

Instructor

Kurt Gardella

Kurt Gardella specializes in online and field-based adobe construction education. He holds a Certificate in Adobe Construction from Northern New Mexico College (Quentin Wilson) and is also certified as a Specialist for Building with Earth (Registration #01-208-0810) by the Dachverband Lehm (German Association for Building with Earth) and the Handwerkskammer Ulm (Ulm Chamber of Trades and Crafts). Kurt also holds an Adobe Proficiency Certification from The Earthbuilders’ Guild. In addition to Adobe is not Software, Kurt also teaches classes for Adobe in Action and Santa Fe Community College.

Evaluation Methods

10-question written exam

Terms & Conditions

Fine Print