Prairie School architecture, developed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 20th century, emphasized open and flowing spaces that seamlessly integrated with the surrounding environment. To effectively direct and control natural ventilation throughout the building, Prairie School architecture employed several distinct design features:
1. Low-Pitched Roofs: Prairie houses typically featured low-pitched roofs with wide eaves that extended far beyond the walls. This design element created a natural shading effect, preventing excessive direct sunlight from entering the building and reducing heat gain.
2. Clerestory Windows: Clerestory windows were used to bring in natural light and promote cross-ventilation. Positioned above eye level, these windows allowed hot air to escape from the top of the room while drawing in cooler air from lower levels, creating a natural stack effect.
3. Ribbon Windows: Often found in long, horizontal bands, ribbon windows were a hallmark of Prairie School architecture. These continuous strips of windows allowed for expansive views and maximized natural light penetration, while also facilitating the movement of air throughout the building.
4. Open Floor Plans: Prairie houses were characterized by open floor plans that minimized the use of interior walls. This layout promoted good air circulation by allowing air to flow freely from one space to another, enhancing natural ventilation.
5. Central Courtyards: Some Prairie-style homes incorporated central courtyards or lightwells to bring additional natural light and air into the building's core. These areas acted as natural ventilation shafts, allowing cool air to flow through the building by taking advantage of the stack effect.
6. Ventilation Hoods: In certain cases, Wright utilized ventilation hoods, which were essentially large wood or metal structures placed on the roofs to create negative pressure and exhaust warm air from the building.
Overall, Prairie School architecture skillfully incorporated various design elements to enhance natural ventilation and create comfortable living spaces that harmonized with their surroundings.
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