Smart Envelope for a Desert Glass House: Research Studio 2023

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).