The principles of passive solar are nothing new. More than 2500 years ago in ancient Greece, entire cities were built to take advantage of the sun and the climate. Buildings were designed to take advantage of daylighting, ventilation and other good design practices.
In the U.S., drawings and photographs of the cliff dwellings of the American Indians and the sod homes of the early pioneers show the popularity – and the necessity – of building homes to respond to the environment.
Passive solar designs include open areas with walls that absorb heat during the day and release it at night – into the home in winter and out of the home in summer.
Large windows take advantage of the winter sun, but blinds and drapes keep the home cooler in summer. Windows let daylight in, and operable windows let the occupants control the flow of natural ventilation.