Image Clerestory windows bring light in from above, reflecting it off of surfaces, making it more appealing than the direct light that comes from skylights
Image The design of this home incorporates multiple methods to reduce summertime solar gains including roll-down exterior blinds, wide exterior horizontal louvers, minimized east/west-facing windows, and vegetation.
Image Porch roofs, pergolas, and large overhangs can effectively shade windows and doors facing south, southeast, southwest, or even due east or west for most of the day if the overhang is very deep and sufficiently wide.
Image Sheer shades can provide very effective daylighting and glare control while maintaining a softened view to the outside Publication Date Tue, 11/03/2015 - 12:00
Passive and Low-Energy Cooling Description Guide describing various ways of implementing passive and low-energy cooling techniques for a house.
Image Multi-layer honeycomb cellular shades such as these can provide summertime energy savings by blocking and reflecting solar heat, as well as wintertime energy savings by providing added insulation. Publication Date Thu, 10/01/2015 - 12:00
Image Right – Horizontal overhangs on this house block sunlight in the summer while allowing it in during winter
Image Infrared photometry shows the impact of a roof overhang on the south façade of a home, where the unshaded patio stonework is significantly hotter than the shaded portions of the patio and wall surfaces (temperature scale shown is in Celsius).
Image Exterior shading devices such as awnings or overhangs can significantly reduce cooling loads Publication Date Sun, 10/14/2007 - 12:00
Image Right – This model home for the Solar Decathlon competition incorporates vertical trellises and retractable exterior blinds to control solar heat gain.
Image These folding louvered porch doors provide effective shade from low-angle east and west sunlight and can open for views; the photovoltaic panels overhead allow in filtered natural light
