[Strawbale] [SB-r-us] re: Passive Heating

[Jeff Ruppert]

For many years now we have been designing passive solar homes with bale 
walls, good roof insulation and a certain percentage of south glass to 
floor area.  Very simple and works very well.  In most cases, the 
heating systems are over-designed and most people choose to use their 
woodstoves to make up the difference (very cheap).  When you begin 
placing water up high in a structure you are asking for trouble, IMHO.  
There should not be much heat to gain in your rafter cavities from 
water, and if you do it in your attic space, you will need to beef up 
the ceiling joists. 

Simple passive solar design with a slab or bale walls with lots of 
plaster for thermal mass will go a long ways toward providing you with 
the heat you need.  It really doesn't need to be complicated.

Look to historical examples.  Did people during any part of the past use 
water storage high up in a building with widespread success for heating 
purposes?  If you find lots of examples, let me know.  Reinventing the 
wheel can be a big pain sometimes.  I applaud innovation, just be 
careful when spending so much money.

Jeff Ruppert, P.E.