Trombe Wall

Baseline strategy · No score

It captures radiation after a transparent enclosure and stores heat on a massive wall to release it in a deferred manner.

Subject: Passive and Enveloping DesignContext: Buildings · Housing · Cold climatesCost: highEffort: highLevel: ambitiousStage: designMaturity: context-dependent
Principle of Muro Trombe
Operating principle

How it works

It captures radiation after a transparent enclosure and stores heat on a massive wall to release it in a deferred manner.

It acts on the shape and envelope to moderate outdoor conditions before resorting to facilities. Measurements should work together, not as isolated pieces.

When does it make sense?

  • In new construction or rehabilitation of the envelope
  • After analyzing climate, orientation, use and humidity risks
  • When it is possible to check the designed detail and execution

How to apply it

  1. 1

    Defining what need resolves "trombe wall" and establishing a starting situation.

  2. 2

    Compare alternatives and adapt design to climate, use, regulation, affected people and available resources.

  3. 3

    Apply with clear responsibilities, check the actual result and correct unwanted effects.

Potential benefits

Lower thermal demand

Increased comfort and resilience

Lower equipment dependency

Limitations and precautions

  • The result depends on context, design, execution and how it is used and maintained.
  • A poorly adapted passive solution can cause overheating, humidity or poor air quality.
  • Performance depends on both implementation and concept.

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