Building with Earth: Design and Technology of a Sustainable Architecture

Wall heating systems

In cool and cold climates where heating
systems are necessary, wall heating systems
integrated into earth walls are a preferable
solution. They enjoy many advantages in
comparison with traditional systems. The
heat is radiated, which avoids unhealthy air
movement and dust circulation. Wall sys-
tems are more economical, easier to repair
and less inert than floor systems.
The easiest way to build a wall radiation
system is to fix plastic or copper tubes on
the existing wall and to cover them with
mud plaster, using warm or hot water for
heat transfer.

Passive solar wall heating system

A residence cum office in Kassel, Germany,
has an effective heating system that runs
exclusively on solar energy (see p. 153). The
solar energy is conducted through a 10-cm-
thick insulating layer of thin polycarbonate
tubes to reach a 24-cm-thick loam wall that
is covered with loam plaster. The plaster is
coated with a thin, absorptive black paint.
This wall radiates the heat into the interior
of the house. In summer, when no heating
is required, the translucent slab is covered
by a reflective curtain (sunshade) (14.83).

134 Designs of building elements

14.82 Bathroom, private

residence in Kassel,

Germany

14.83 Loam wall with

translucent thermal

insulation slab, acting as

passive solar heating

system

14.83

Glass 5 mm

Weight

Absorptive paint

Sun shade

Tubes

Aluminium 20/100

Timber frame

14.82

Sprayed plaster

Green bricks