Trombe Wall Design

A Trombe wall is the primary device for storing solar gain that will be released later in the home as heat. The Trombe wall should be painted black on the side that is facing the Southerly windows to absorb heat during the day.

The Trombe wall must be built with the proper structural support beneath it to support the mass. Trombe walls are typically built with concrete cinder blocks that are filled with sand. The walls can be built from floor to ceiling—this will help support the weight of a Trombe wall on a second floor. Metal or wood I beams may be required on each floor. You will need to check with your archetect, builder or engineer to see what structural support you will need!

Decorative stone can be used on the Trombe wall surface. But remember—dark color on the side facing the Southern windows—any color can be used on the other sides.

Passive solar heating may not be enough to heat a home! This depends on the climate, house design, internal mass structure, etc. A supplemental heating system is always recommended. Passive solar heat will decrease the fuel or electricity used to heat the home. If a wood stove is used for supplemental heat it can be placed near the Trombe wall to heat the mass.