Prairie School architects incorporated the idea of natural ventilation into their designs in several ways:
1. Open floor plans: Prairie School architects often used open floor plans with minimal interior walls, allowing air to flow freely throughout the space. This design allowed for better air circulation and natural ventilation.
2. Low-pitched roofs: Prairie School homes typically had low-pitched roofs with large overhangs. These overhangs provided shade and protection from the sun, helping to keep the interiors cool. Additionally, the overhangs often featured vents or openings, allowing hot air to rise and escape from the attic, while drawing in cooler air through windows or other openings.
3. Windows and vents: Prairie School designs featured large windows, often in horizontal bands, which provided ample natural light and ventilation. These windows were strategically placed to capture cooling breezes and facilitate cross-ventilation within the interior spaces. Vents were also incorporated into the design, such as clerestory windows or operable skylights, which enabled hot air to escape and improve air circulation.
4. Landscaping: Prairie School architects recognized the importance of the surrounding landscape in natural ventilation. They often incorporated strategically placed trees, shrubs, and other landscaping elements to create natural windbreaks and enhance airflow patterns. By directing prevailing winds and blocking unwanted drafts, these landscapes played a role in natural ventilation.
Overall, Prairie School architects aimed to create harmonious designs that interacted with the surrounding environment, emphasizing openness, natural light, and ventilation. They believed that architecture should prioritize the well-being and comfort of its inhabitants, and natural ventilation was a key aspect in achieving this goal.
Publication date: