THERMAL MASS AND BEADWALLS IN TWO NEW BUILDINGS.

This paper reports on the use of beadwalls (for moveable insulation) and thermal mass (for solar heat sink storage) to capture solar energy for residential space heating. Two buildings which apply this type of system in different ways are discussed. Cost and performance indicate that passive solar heating is the next fully developed alternative technology for fuel saving/energy conservation after adding cost effective insulation. Architectural integration of large thermal mass within the building is the major design challenge. Beadwalls are the most effective method for non-manual vertical moveable insulation although they may not be the most cost-effective method for all climates.