Vashon Dental Clinic
19714 Vashon Hwy SW
Passive Solar Design
The Vashon Dental Clinic is an example of the earth sheltered, passive solar building. Tour the entire building at 11 AM!
The designers have produced a building system that combines the available heat and light of the sun, the economy of standard building methods and materials and the insulating qualities of the earth. The proper integration of these elements guarantees a quality structure with optimum energy efficiency.
In this example, the cost of heating and cooling the 3,000 square foot clinic and office space is a nominal $70 for an entire year of operation (energy costs at the time of initial operation). The thermal mass of concrete walls and floor, tempered by earth berms, effectively reduces energy demands. Windows and skylights, precisely placed for solar collection, flood the interior with natural light, create an airy, spacious atmosphere and help reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Architect and Designer Felix Misch of Design Northwest will be on site all day to give informational tours of the building with a special tour of the intertior beginning at 11 am.
Southeast Corner
Interior, Reception
Ridge skylights
