Projects

This stage and restroom facility uses an innovative mechanical system. The solar chimneys passively ventilate, cool, and de-humidify the restrooms without any mechanical energy. When sun enters the solar chimneys through the glazing, it warms the concrete support tube and surrounding air, causing the air to rise. This, plus the venturi effect (negative wind pressure) creates a negative air pressure in the chimneys, which therefore draws air from the restrooms. Make-up air is brought in through tubes running 3’ below the boardwalk, where the temperature is a constant 55 degrees. Thus, fresh cool air is constantly pulled into the restrooms, circulated, and eventually exhausted out the chimneys.