How Timber Cladding Can Help You Achieve Passive Solar Design

Saving energy and protecting the environment is an increasing focus for modern society. One method to achieve these goals it passive solar design. This uses the sun’s energy to keep buildings warm in winter, and cool in summer. Timber cladding poses a great option for buildings to achieve passive solar design, and in this article we’ll explain how.

As leaders in timber cladding, the team at NORclad are perfectly positioned to give you insight into eco-friendly timber to improve your energy consumption and environmental impact. We’re here to explain what passive solar design is, and how timber cladding works to achieve it.

What is Passive Solar Design?

Passive solar design keeps buildings warm or cool using the sun’s energy, without needing any machines or electricity. Unlike more “active” forms of solar design, passive elements will keep operating even without your input.

One important part of passive solar design is how it can naturally warm and cool areas. Buildings with big windows facing south get a lot of sunlight in the winter, which warms the rooms without needing extra heating. In the summer, things like overhangs and shades block the sun, helping to keep the inside cool and reducing the use of air conditioning.

Another key idea in passive solar design is called thermal mass. This means materials in the building that soak up, hold, and later let go of heat. Materials with thermal mass take in heat during the day and slowly release it at night. This keeps the temperature inside steady, making it more comfortable and less reliant on heating and cooling systems. For example, a brick wall that gets warm from the sun during the day can slowly let that heat out at night, helping to keep the room warm.

How a building is positioned and laid out is also significant for passive solar design. A good design aims to catch the most sunlight in the winter and keep out too much heat in the summer. Ideally, the longer sides of the building should face north and south. The rooms used the most, like living rooms and kitchens, should be placed on the south side where they get lots of sunlight. This smart placement lets in more natural light and greatly increases the building’s energy efficiency.

How Does Timber Cladding Improve Thermal Mass?

Timber boosts thermal mass as it has tiny air pockets that keep heat in. These pockets keep the building warm in the winter and cool in the summer by stopping heat from outside affecting the temperature inside. Timber can also breathe in and let out moisture, which helps keep the air inside at a good humidity level. A good humidity level improves how well the building holds and uses heat, meaning less need for heating and cooling systems.

Benefits of Using Timber for Passive Solar Design

While there are many options available for passive solar design like brise soleil, shades, and canopies, timber cladding offers a vast array of benefits both the function and form of your building. The top five benefits of using timber cladding for your passive solar design include:

Aesthetic Appeal. Timber cladding looks natural and warm, and fits well with many building styles. Wood’s natural grains and textures give buildings a unique, timeless look that improves with age, turning the structure into an even more inviting place over time.
Sustainability. When timber comes from well-managed forests, it’s an eco-friendly, renewable resource. Using timber cladding supports green building practices and reduces a project’s carbon footprint. Since trees soak up carbon dioxide, using timber helps fight climate change and shows you care about the planet.
Durability & Maintenance. Modern treatments make timber cladding strong enough to stand up to weather, pests, and rot. With proper care, timber cladding can last for many years. Regular checks and treatments mean you will only need to replace it occasionally, saving you money in the long run. Following our top tips on timber cladding maintenance can help your cladding last the longest and make the most of your investment.
Energy Efficiency. Timber cladding helps improve a building’s thermal mass and insulation. Energy-efficient buildings like this save money on bills and are better for the environment. Lower energy use means less pollution and a smaller carbon footprint.
Health & Wellbeing. Timber cladding helps clean the air indoors by absorbing moisture and stopping mould. It creates a pleasant environment that can boost the mental and physical health of everyone inside.

Find out more about the sustainability of timber cladding >

Achieve Passive Solar Design with NORclad

Timber cladding is great for passive solar design, offering insulation, heat management, and elegance. It’s a sustainable, durable, and energy-efficient option that also boosts wellbeing. By implementing passive solar design features via timber cladding, you can enhance and maintain the temperature and conditions inside your home or workspace.

At NORclad, we proudly offer high-quality timber cladding solutions that make buildings more eco-friendly. Whether you are an architect, contractor, or private buyer, we provide expert advice, detailed quotes, and great support. Our timber cladding makes your building look better and helps save energy and protect the environment. Contact us today to see how our solutions can help your next project.

Find out more about passive solar design in our ultimate guide to brise soleil >

Explore the benefits of Overcladding for commercial buildings >

Timber or brick – which is better for construction? Find out in our article >