I have a habit from my professional life that is pretty much a part of me. I tend to evaluate work at all stages during the process, making note of things that are wrong, things that are right or I like, things that could possibly be done better in the future, etc. This project has had my evaluator mind spinning, as it developed, grew, evolved, and changed from my original simple concept. To this point, here are some of my thoughts on this cold-frame project that I want to consider, or keep in mind on future projects like this. Minuses: • Partition wall needs to be a solid panel. • The window frame is too wide and will cast too many shadows. • The top needs to be sloped at the proper 30 degree angle to catch more sunlight. Plusses: • This project has had “0” cost in dollars. • Used all materials that were already on hand. • Very easy to construct. For the future: • Spend more time planning beforehand. • Use the original pictures to make notes on of things to change in the future. • Slope the top properly to 300 for proper sunlight gathering. • Insulate the bottom. o The old frames were buried to a depth where the ground does not freeze. • Add a heat cable under the bottom bricks. • Use solid pavers, at least for the bottom. • Build, or modify old windows to be “double-pane” style, with a clear acrylic covering at least over the outside. • Can the insulated cover be made as a solid “tip-up” type cover, with reflective material on the inside? o When raised, it can be used like a big mirror to reflect light inside. In the event of storms with a potential for hail, the cover could be lowered to protect the windows. • Make the window frame as small as possible to reduce shadows.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:40:55 +0000
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