Glossary

Terms for Architecture, Green Building & Energy

This glossary includes more than 300 solar terms, as well as hundreds of additional sustainable design and construction terms.

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Buffer Space

Definition: Similar to a Trombe wall, a buffer or sun space can be used to protect the external façade from prevailing conditions. Additionally, these features can collect solar energy for use within a building. An example of a sun space would be a heavily glazed, unheated, enclosed area adjacent to the northern aspect of a building. Heat collected in the sun space could be utilized when required through a series of openings in the external facade.