natural
light
&
thermal
G E T T L I F F E A R C H I T ECT U R E
delight
BOULDER . MANAGUA
Over many years of designing and building numerous passive solar dwellings, we came to the realization that light, darkness, warmth and coolness are intimately intertwined, not only in the realm of physics, but also in the realm of human perception, comfort and enjoyment. This booklet is our attempt to explore and explain these phenomena, in order to recognize them as a source of delight in the architecture we experience and create.
direct light
We experience direct light when a light source shines onto objects or people in our surroundings. Direct light illuminates objects in its path, casting a shadow beyond the object. It creates depth and emphasizes the three dimensions of space. Unbalanced direct light creates glare. The contrast between light and shadow defines forms and volumes and has the power to render texture and colors. Direct sunlight effectively creates warmth and thermal delight, and is used in passive solar design to transform light into heat.
Direct
light
illuminates
the
yellow
leaves
in
the
foreground,
making
them
stand
out.
Direct
light
enters,
fills
and
plays
endlessly with this space. Strawbale Getaway | Crestone, Colorado
radiant heat
We enjoy radiant heat when, on a cold clear day, the sun warms up our faces. We receive and release radiant heat in the form of infrared radiation. A rock emits radiant heat after being in the sun all day, and we can feel warmth radiating from it without touching it. In contrast, this same phenomenon makes us feel cool when our warm bodies radiate heat toward the cold surface of a window at night.
In the early morning cool air, a lizard captures
a bodyful of radiant heat from the rising sun.
Trellises protect inner spaces from the radiant
Desert Home | Las Cruces, New Mexico
warmth of the afternoon sun.
diffused & filtered light
Diffused and filtered light is light that bounces onto or through surfaces or objects and dissipates in many directions. It adds a rounded quality to forms and surfaces and softens edges because of the reduced contrast, which creates an impression of serenity. In architecture, it is experienced when carefully designed openings allow light to enter from various directions, and surfaces diffuse the light through the space. Diffused light can bring a sense of balance or evenness but can also be flat at its extreme.
The
tree
trunks
filter
the
morning
sunlight,
and
the
moisture
in
the
air
diffuses
it.
A
nearby
pine
filters
sunbeams
before
the
concrete floor diffuses them. Strawbale Getaway | Crestone, Colorado
Strawbale Getaway | Crestone, Colorado
convection
Convection circulates heat through gasses, such as air, or liquids, such as water. The presence of heat creates movement. With more heat, water boils, whereas when heat decreases, water eventually freezes. Our bodies experience convection when warm air rises toward the ceiling and cool air sinks toward the floor. On a larger scale, ocean currents and wind are also examples of a convection loop.
The
clouds
roll
out,
roll
over
in
giant,
turbulent
convective
loops.
To stay warm, we tighten and insulate our living
[ P h o
to halt
Open Town Living | Boulder, Colorado
spaces convection.
reflected light
Reflected light bounces off of a surface or several surfaces before it reaches our eyes. Every solid surface reflects some light, diffuses some and absorbs some from the sun or any light source. Reflective materials typically have a cool quality to them, like metal, or glass, or water. A mirror for example, reflects most light; a glossy white surface diffuses most light, and a matte black surface absorbs most light. Reflected light can create glare and have a blinding effect – for example, a glossy floor flooded with sunlight. Reflected light can also be used in combination with color, because it reflects the tint of surrounding colors. Reflected light can create mystery, wonder, illusion, and even confusion, if desired.
When
the
sun
is
low,
the
stream’s
surface
reflects
sunlight,
dazzling
our
sight.
Glossed
over
by
reflected
light,
interior
spaces shine to their surroundings. Scotch Pine Residence | Boulder, Colorado
conduction
Conduction is the transfer of heat that takes place when two objects with different temperatures touch and transfer energy. Thermal conductivity varies by material. We experience conduction when our feet get cold from walking on an unheated stone or concrete floor, or when we wrap our cold hands around a hot cup of tea. Similarly, when we hold someone’s hands, we sense whether they are warm or cold in relation to our own, and the direction of heat conduction follows accordingly.
From snow to ground, to water, nature seeks
[ P h o
temperature equilibrium through conduction.
t o ]
A sun-absorbing concrete slab conducts heat
every foot that steps on
Strawbale Getaway | Crestone, Colorado
to it.
b r i g h t n e s s
&
w a r m t h
Strawbale Getaway | Crestone, Colorado
We associate brightness and warmth with the sun, since it is our main source for both. The light of the sun is partially transformed into heat when it reaches a surface; the rest of it bounces around. These two phenomena define our living environment.
s h a d e
&
c o o l n e s s
Strawbale Getaway | Crestone, Colorado
Shade and coolness occur from a reduction or obstruction of sunlight. Our bodies are constantly evaluating changes from one condition to another and we move accordingly in search of light or shade and thermal comfort. Architecture is a powerful tool for fulfilling these human needs.
l i g h t
&
d e l i g h t
Natural light creates patterns, rhythms, and sequences that change daily and seasonally. Thermal delight and natural light work hand in hand to shape a comfortable and inspiring environment to live in.
The Studio. The architectural design process begins with careful consideration of earth, culture and community. Based in Boulder, Colorado, with a partner studio in Nicaragua, Gettliffe Architecture offers a range of green architectural design services to both local and international clients, from private residences to eco-lodges and community architecture. Our award-winning and earth-friendly designs are characterized by a sense of fluidity between the built and natural environment. All our work begins with a passion for collaboration that fosters long-lasting relationships.
Boulder, Colorado 3014 Bluff Street, Unit 101 Boulder, Colorado 80301 usa. 303.449.9155 info@gettliffe.com www.gettliffe.com
P h o t o s David Lauer Photography Jim Campbell Gettliffe Architecture S k e t c h e s Gettliffe Architecture
G ETTLIFFE
A R C H I T ECT U R E Km 10.5 Carretera Masaya Managua, Nicaragua nic. 505.2276.2844 usa. 720.279.9037 alejandra@gettliffe.com Managua, Nicaragua
Reaching out to the world from partner studios in Nicaragua and Colorado, our multicultural team creates socially responsible and sustainable designs that are moving, uplifting, and bring new perspectives to life.
www.gettliffe.com