This produces a greenhouse effect for additional heating during the cooler months. The sunspace also provides for a nice enclosed area for plants, a garden, and hot tub. This system incorporates two 2700 gallon water collection tanks located inside the garage and at the Southeast corner of the sunspace. Rainwater is collected from gutters beneath the galvulume metal roof and directed into the tanks during rainfall. The tanks are sized to accommodate a 3 inch rainfall.
Any excess water runs out overflow pipes into the drainage.
When the collection tanks are filled, the water is then pumped up to a cistern at the highest point on the property. There is enough pressure from gravity so that no additional pressurization is needed. The water is further purified by filters and an ozone generator providing potable water of excellent quality with no chemicals added. The passive solar design along with the use of energy efficient appliances accounts for the majority of the energy needs of this house. This design results in a relatively small amount of electricity needed.