This post shows the model making process for a 1:10 scale model, made from a mixture of hand-cut veneers, foam, card and laser cut MDF.
We used fine casting plaster and black pigment to get the concrete effect
The In-situ concrete and stair is a key component of the ‘passive’ heating and cooling core.
Although concrete tends to get bad press in the world of environmental design, if used correctly it can offer substantial benefits in terms of thermal mass.
This stair is attached to a 5 tonne Trombé wall, which will help to stabilise day and night temperature differentials. Positioned behind a huge South facing opening and below an openable rooflight, this building element provides a low tech passive heating & cooling system, that can be closed off from the living spaces on hot summer days.
