What is solar shading?
Solar shading covers every device that keeps sunlight and solar heat out before it enters a room. External and internal types, effectiveness, the g-value and practical tips for choosing.
What is a sun wheel?
A sun wheel (in Dutch zonnerad) is a round, wheel-shaped sun symbol found on old farmhouses, for example in owl boards and gable signs. Meaning, forms and restoration tips.
What are thin-film solar cells?
Thin-film solar cells have a very thin light-sensitive layer on glass, metal or plastic. Types (a-Si, CdTe, CIGS), pros and cons compared with crystalline panels, and uses in buildings.
What is a summer house?
In the Dutch building tradition a summer house (zomerhuis) is a small outbuilding beside a farmhouse used for living or working in summer; more generally it is a summer retreat. Meanings, features and tips for restoration or conversion.
What is a deck barge (zolderbak)?
A deck barge (in Dutch zolderbak or zolderschuit) is a simple box-shaped vessel with a flat cargo deck, used in dredging and marine construction. Construction, uses and the tilting barge variant.
What is a smoothing plane?
A smoothing plane (in Dutch zoetschaaf) is a short hand plane for the final, fine smoothing of timber. Construction, set-up, use and common mistakes.
What is honing natural stone?
Honing (in Dutch zoeten) is grinding natural stone with ever finer abrasives until it has a smooth, matt to satin surface with no visible scratches. Method, finish grades, effect on bluestone and the difference with polishing.
What is very low temperature heating?
Very low temperature heating works with flow water below about 35 °C. How it works, which heat emitters it needs and what it demands from the building.
What is an inverted siphon?
An inverted siphon (sag pipe) is a pipe that dips beneath an obstacle such as a watercourse or road and rises again on the other side. How it works, uses and the difference with a culvert.
What is a side outlet?
A side outlet (scupper outlet) drains rainwater from a flat roof horizontally through the parapet or upstand. Construction, installation, practical points and the difference with a vertical roof outlet.