Sovereignty Module: Design the Haven
Design the Haven
Complete Shelter Design, Thermal Efficiency, and Climate-Adapted Architecture Guide
Complete Shelter Design, Thermal Efficiency, and Climate-Adapted Architecture Guide
Shelter is the first priority after immediate survival. A well-designed shelter reduces heating fuel by 80%, prevents disease, and provides psychological security. This campaign covers climate-specific design principles and construction strategies.
Chapter 1: Climate Zones and Design Response
| Climate | Challenge | Design Response | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (subarctic) | Heat loss, wind, snow load | Compact form, heavy insulation, south-facing | Small windows, airlock entry, thermal mass |
| Temperate | Seasonal variation | Moderate insulation, passive solar | Operable windows, covered porch, flexible |
| Hot-arid (desert) | Extreme heat, sun, cold nights | Thermal mass, shade, ventilation | Thick walls, small windows, courtyard |
| Hot-humid (tropical) | Heat, moisture, insects | Maximum ventilation, shade | Elevated floor, large openings, steep roof |
| Highland | Cold, UV, wind, rain | Insulation, wind protection | Low profile, stone walls, small openings |
Chapter 2: Thermal Principles
| Principle | Definition | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal mass | Dense material absorbs heat slowly, releases slowly | Stone/earth walls absorb day heat, release at night |
| Insulation | Material that resists heat flow (R-value) | Straw, wool, air gaps, sawdust in walls/roof |
| Solar gain | Sun energy entering through windows/mass | South-facing windows (northern hemisphere) |
| Ventilation | Air movement for cooling and moisture control | Cross-ventilation, stack effect, operable openings |
| Infiltration | Unwanted air leakage | Seal cracks, use airlocks, weatherstrip |
| Radiation | Heat transfer without air movement | Reflective surfaces, shade, thermal curtains |
Chapter 3: Passive Solar Design
| Element | Specification | Function |
|---|---|---|
| South-facing glass | Area = 7-12% of floor area | Admits winter sun |
| Thermal mass (interior) | 4-6 inches thick, dark colored, in direct sun path | Absorbs and stores solar heat |
| Overhang (roof/awning) | Blocks summer sun (high angle), admits winter sun (low angle) | Seasonal control |
| Insulation (walls) | R-20 minimum (cold climate) | Retains collected heat |
| Insulation (roof) | R-30 to R-50 (cold climate) | Heat rises, most loss through roof |
| Night insulation | Thermal curtains or shutters over glass | Prevents heat loss through glass at night |
| Floor insulation | R-10 minimum (perimeter most critical) | Prevents ground heat loss |
Overhang calculation: For 40 degrees latitude, overhang depth = window height x 0.42. This blocks June sun but admits December sun.
Chapter 4: Natural Insulation Materials
| Material | R-value per inch | Availability | Fire Risk | Moisture Risk | Pest Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straw bale (on flat) | R-1.5 to R-2.0 | High (agricultural) | Moderate (dense = low) | High if wet | Moderate |
| Loose straw | R-1.5 | High | High | High | High |
| Wool (loose) | R-3.5 to R-4.0 | Moderate | Low (self-extinguishing) | Low (absorbs/releases) | Low (lanolin) |
| Sawdust (dry) | R-2.5 | High (sawmill waste) | High | High | Moderate |
| Wood shavings | R-2.0 | High | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Cattail fluff | R-3.0 | Seasonal | High | Moderate | Low |
| Dried leaves (packed) | R-1.0 | Seasonal | High | High | High |
| Earth (dry) | R-0.25 | Unlimited | None | Low | None |
| Cork | R-3.6 | Low (specific trees) | Low | Low | None |
| Cellulose (processed) | R-3.5 | Moderate | Low (treated) | Moderate | Low (treated) |
Chapter 5: Ventilation Design
| Strategy | Mechanism | Best Climate | Implementation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-ventilation | Wind pressure difference (windward vs leeward) | Hot-humid | Openings on opposite walls, aligned with prevailing wind |
| Stack effect | Hot air rises, exits high, draws cool air in low | Hot-arid, temperate | High ceiling, high exhaust opening, low inlet |
| Wind tower (badgir) | Captures wind at height, channels down | Hot-arid | Tower above roof, internal channels to rooms |
| Earth tube | Air drawn through buried pipe (cooled by earth) | Hot-arid | 6-8 inch pipe, 6 feet deep, 50-100 feet long |
| Cupola/clerestory | High openings for hot air exhaust | All hot climates | Raised roof section with operable vents |
| Night flush | Open building at night to cool thermal mass | Hot-arid (cool nights) | Large openings, close at dawn |
Chapter 6: Sizing and Proportions
| Space | Minimum Size | Comfortable Size | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeping (per person) | 30 sq ft | 80-120 sq ft | Rest, privacy |
| Kitchen/cooking | 60 sq ft | 100-150 sq ft | Food preparation |
| Living/common | 100 sq ft | 200-400 sq ft | Gathering, work, eating |
| Storage | 40 sq ft | 80-120 sq ft | Food, tools, supplies |
| Workshop | 80 sq ft | 150-300 sq ft | Making, repair |
| Bathroom/latrine | 20 sq ft | 35-50 sq ft | Hygiene |
Minimum viable shelter (1-2 people): 200-300 sq ft total. Comfortable family home (4-6 people): 800-1200 sq ft. Community building: 400-1000 sq ft.
Reference Card
- Compact form loses less heat: cube is most efficient shape (lowest surface-to-volume ratio)
- South-facing glass (northern hemisphere) = free winter heating
- Overhang blocks summer sun, admits winter sun: depth = window height x 0.42 (at 40 degrees latitude)
- Insulate roof most heavily (heat rises): R-30 minimum in cold climates
- Thermal mass inside insulation: absorbs day heat, releases at night
- Cross-ventilation requires openings on opposite walls aligned with wind
- Straw bales provide R-30+ wall insulation (18 inches thick on flat)
- Seal all air leaks: infiltration accounts for 25-40% of heat loss
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