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This plant conservatory is a passive solar structure.
Enclosing over an acre of space, it is one of the largest
passive solar structures in the United States. The plant
material grown in the Conservatory requires visible light energy
sufficient to attain intensities in the range of 4,000 – 5,000
foot-candles. Proper orientation and design of glazing systems
to achieve these lighting intensities provides optimum
conditions for capturing solar heat energy as well. The entire
Conservatory structure is designed as a giant solar collector
for heating purposes. The passive solar heat generated is stored
and recirculated to provide a major portion of the energy
required for heating the Conservatory. |
