This model was constructed by Solsearch in the summer of 1975 to study the interaction of the various building systems; the model was used in meetings with the Technical Review committee and with consulting engineers. The design is very close in form and layout to the Ark as built. The dwelling is the taller section to the left of the greenhouse doors; the main agri/aquaculture greenhouse is to the right. Looking through the sloped greenhouse rafters gives a glimpse of the reflective surface on the solid north interior wall of the greenhouse; this reflects low winter sun down onto the planting and aquaculture tanks at the rear of the greenhouse. This version of the Ark uses air-based solar collector panels, with heat storage in rock vaults in the basement fed by large exterior ducts (the white tubes at each side of the dwelling). The inefficiencies of heat transfer using air led to a change to water-based solar collectors in the final design. The original model is lost, and the only copy of this colour slide is water damaged.
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Model: Solsearch Architects – David Bergmark, Ole Hammarlund, ca. July-August 1975
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