Eco Factor: Energy-saving house relies on passive solar gain.
Don McLean of McLean Architects has designed a sustainable house for his family that offers green suburban living in a challenging site north of Glasgow. Dubbed the Beacon, the house is located on a south facing site, which maximizes passive solar heat gain to reduce overall energy consumption.
The house is constructed from Insulated Concrete Formwork that provides heavily insulated and airtight construction of high structural integrity. The roof section facilitates passive solar gain from the low-sun path in the winter months.
The house also features glass doors and windows that maximize natural lighting. Primary heating is provided by an air source heat pump working in tandem with an under-floor heating system that reduces energy consumption by up to 40%.
