Thermal mass is the ability of a material to absorb, store, and release heat. Used to moderate building temperatures by reducing fluctuations, the concept is crucial in improving energy efficiency. Materials with relatively high thermal mass, such as stone, concrete, rammed earth, and brick, can absorb significant heat during the day and release it slowly when temperatures drop at night, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems. Properties like heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and density are all considered when assessing the thermal mass property of a material.
Thermal mass is a fundamental concept in passive architecture, which focuses on designing buildings that maintain comfortable indoor environments. In harsh desert environments with a tendency for drastic temperature swings, designers utilize materials with thermal mass properties in order to regulate indoor temperatures, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night. Whether in Utah, Nevada, or Arizona, arid environments lend themselves well to thermal mass interventions. Through strategic material selection, placement, insulation, and ventilation, designers can use walls and floor slabs in different formats with high thermal mass to contribute to energy efficiency and comfort.
Read on to discover four projects in the desert regions of the United States that utilize thermal mass in their design.
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Architectural Interventions in the Desert: Natural Escapes, Minimal Intervention and Reclusive LuxuryEscalante Retreat / Imbue Design
Situated in Utah, this desert-dwelling incorporates thermal mass to create a sustainable and comfortable off-grid living space that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. Using split-face concrete blocks, the design leverages the substantial thermal mass of these materials to absorb heat during the day and release it slowly as temperatures drop at night. In fact, the thick concrete wall moderates indoor temperatures despite the drastic temperature swings found in desert climates. Additionally, the structure is placed at the base of a cliff, where vegetation is prevalent, further enhancing the thermal mass effect by integrating the natural heat-regulating properties of the surrounding rock.
Fort 137 Residence / Daniel Joseph Chenin
Situated in the Nevada desert, this contemporary home is designed for a family that boasts an active lifestyle. The project utilizes thermal mass to create a comfortable and energy-efficient living environment that blends with its rugged natural surroundings. The house features substantial stone walls that absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, serving as thermal mass. Forming the structural backbone of the home, along with a steel frame, these bulk stone walls provide a buffer against the extreme desert climate. The residence also uses travertine floors to add to the thermal mass, further stabilizing indoor temperatures by absorbing and retaining heat.
Tucson Mountain Retreat / DUST
The Tucson Mountain Retreat, situated within the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, utilizes thermal mass to create a comfortable and sustainable living environment that also integrates with its natural surroundings. Primarily constructed from rammed earth, a material celebrated for its thermal mass properties, the rammed earth helps paintable a stable indoor temperature. The material absorbs heat during the day and releases it slowly at night and is widely available in the Sonoran Desert. The project also combines passive architectural strategies like orientation, shading, and cross-ventilation to create a comfortable living space that cools the house during hot desert days and warms it during cooler nights.
Desert Courtyard House / Wendell Burnette Architects
Located on a granite outcropping peninsula in Arizona surrounded by desert washes, this house also effectively uses thermal mass properties. The design leverages the site’s unique features, including rock formations and ancient cacti, to create a structure that appears to grow organically from the desert floor. The construction primarily features rammed earth, involving compacting layers of soil and a small percentage of cement within wooden molds, creating dense walls that can absorb heat effectively. The project also features a courtyard, serving as a thermal buffer, moderating the heat absorbed by the surrounding earth walls.
This article is part of an ArchDaily curated series that focuses on built projects from our database grouped under specific themes related to cities, typologies, materials, or programs. Every month, we will highlight a collection of structures that find a common thread between previously uncommon contexts, unpacking the depths of influence on our built environments. As always, at ArchDaily, we highly appreciate the input of our readers. If you think we should mention specific ideas, please submit your suggestions.
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