Over the centuries, architects have incorporated solar features into their structures. For the Ancient Greeks, it was natural to utilize the powers of the sun to provide passive heating and cooling. Many a Massachusetts solar installer would readily recognize this system. Early Greek builders and Roman architects such as Vitruvius recognized how to employ the sun in creating their structures. This, perhaps, is the beginning of what is now termed solar architecture.
What is Solar Architecture?
Solar architecture is both an art and a science. It refers to the practice through which architects and engineers provide smart solar energy solutions for planned newly built, or already existing structures. These may involve the services of a solar installer of panels in the construction of the roof or be a more complicated process of retrofitting solar panels or other devices.
Solar Architects of the Thirties and Forties
During the 1940s, the use of the sun in a passive manner was actually quite common. The United States produced several well-known solar architects. Among the better known ones are:
- Arthur T. Brown (1900–1993). His best known works are the Rosenberg House (Tuscon, 1946); the Rose Elementary School (Tucson, 1948) and the Hirsch House (Tuscon, 1949)
- George Fred Keck (1895-1995) and William Keck (1908-1995) representing the modernist school of design, GF Keck first made his noted appearance with his all-glass structure at the 1933-1934 Century of Progress Exhibition in Chicago. This is the famous “House of Tomorrow.” It utilized passive solar heating. Another well-known Keck Brothers design is the Sloan House in Glenview, Illinois (1940)
- Eleanor Raymond (1887-1989) worked with MIT engineer Maria Telkes to create a solar house. This is the Dover Sun House (Massachusetts, 1948).
Libby-Owens-Ford Glass Company actually commissioned several architects to construct solar homes throughout the 48 states. The project never advanced beyond the design phase, filling pages of an incredible book. It came out in 1948 under the title: Your Solar House.
After 1955
After 1955, people continued to build solar homes. In part, the 1955 World Symposium on Applied Solar Energy, as well as the 1957 Solar Energy exhibition held in Greece fuelled this interest. During this period, an architect Frank Bridgers created the design for the Bridgers-Paxton Building, America’s first solar-heated office building. The 1970s saw once again a rebirth of interest in solar architecture. In the 1980s, more homes were designed, and even constructed, with solar features. Today, the trend continues with solar architects joining hands with engineers and various companies throughout the country to create homes. In Massachusetts, solar installers find themselves working with architects and homeowners to help create self-sufficient, energy wise comfortable and still aesthetically pleasing homes.
If you live in Massachusetts, a solar installer can help you discover the advantages of solar energy. Roof Diagnostics Solar is qualified to guide you along the way. Contact us at http://www.roofdiagnostics.com/. Let one of our experts show you the advantages of solar energy today.
