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Smart Envelope for a Desert Glass House: Research Studio 2023

Created By:
  • Zhirui Bian
  • Li Pan

This project presents a desert shelter in Phoenix with a movable insulation system surrounding a glass house, capable of adapting to varying environmental conditions, especially hot days and cold nights. Insulated shutters respond to solar positions and temperature regulate heat gain. The glass envelope opens and closes according to temperature to facilitate natural ventilation. Water stored in the roof pond which further moderates temperatures. The lightweight prefabricated glass house is able to experience the best of its dessert location without the extremes of temperature.​

Hypothesis: ​Smart envelope with insulated shutter systems can improve the building performance and conserve energy. The envelope responds to temperature (outdoor and indoor) and solar position (time).

Date Created: Fall 2023
Course: Foundations of Bioclimatic Design
Instructor(s):

Dr. William Braham

Meet the Program Director William W. Braham

Learn to design buildings that positively contribute to local, regional, and global ecosystems.

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