Gerry's Input, Thanks Gerry.

Hi Amr,

Here are some comments about your previous blog (Saturday’s final) yet to be posted:

Beautiful section Amr. Need to look more at the exterior especially now that you are combining orthogonal with the arched structure.! I read again about nanogel which insulates while it is translucent, I think. For now just assume it can be made to work and design the “architecture” part of it.

And a response to your email:

So yes, assume the technology works. I believe any fabric structure could be layered/filled to provide insulation (although this would be opaque), and some areas could be “glazed” or provided with say three or four layers of transluscent/clear material or even some nanogel (highly insulated translucent – recommended). An environmental solution, however, would take into account the opportunities of the climate.

So, just as we do for orthogonal buildings, so also for domes/barrels. That is


Protect the interior from the north (mostly insulated except for views to the exterior and perhaps views of the interior from the highways).
Protect the east and west by orientation (small ends to east and west) - I think you have done that. Also protect from too much solar (lots of opaque area).
Protect the interior from the south (some insulated panels – it is still cold on this side in winter) but also provide generous “glazed” openings for light and for solar. The US Post Office calls for about 2.5% glazing only for day lighting. 5 to 15% might be possible. Above that you need lots of thermal mass to absorb the excess heat of solar – and also large heating systems to heat during night and cloudy periods. (Please note that Werner quotes a code which limits glazing to about 15% total.) 5% sky lighting is very generous so I would not exceed 15% if you can avoid it.
Use the north interior surface of the “dome” to reflect light coming into the south openings (draw sun angles from say 11 degrees (3PM Dec 21) and say 48 degrees (March, Sept. 21) - this will even the lighting and reduce glare inside.


I hope that is helpful – keep your vision in front of you – creating a “new”(?) kind of interior “green” space; green to look at and soft on the eyes which is not extravagant to heat or cool; you do this by creating a free span shell that is tempered using passive solar heating and cooling and natural ventilation and day lighting. It is not a hothouse or greenhouse but a sort of intermediate space that encloses the more controlled spaces of the occupants.

Good designing,

Gerry