february house
Due to its density, concrete can be a great thermal storage material if it’s correctly located inside buildings so that it’s only directly exposed to the winter sun. That way in winter the concrete can store the heat of the sun or heaters to release it at night, helping the home stay warm. During summer it absorbs heat from the air during the day and releases it by night to cooling breezes, keeping the house comfortable.
The brief for this project asked for a somewhat large family home that offered separate entertainment areas for the adults and children as well as a large common living space. The design resolution included polished concrete thermal mass floors and vertical panels that were protected from the direct summer sun, but exposed in winter.