WORKSHOP: passive solar design

Last night's passive solar design workshop in Lake Maquarie was lots of fun. I am so happy to see the general understanding on passive solar design is so good! The main subjects we discussed were :
o The SUN : it's annual movement through the sky and the effect this has seasonally on our homes.
o VENTILLATION: encouraging natural air flow with a variety of passive (non- mechanical) methods.
o VEGETATION: How you can use trees and vines to cool the home in summer, but not in winter
o MATERIALS: Thermal Mass or no thermal mass, and the different types of insulation
o ORIENTATION: for sun and air flow
o SHADING: Different shading options, flexibility, and shading for different directions
o LIFESTYLE: How we might change our behaviour a little to improve the comfort of our home. For example by putting up heavy drapes for the beginning of winter, moving outdoor living areas seasonally, closing down the house against hot winds, opening the house up at night for cool breezes.

These are the ones I can think of now... if you were there and have anything to add to that list or have any questions arising from the night, click the "comments" link below and leave a message!