Passive Cooling Experimental Facility for a Hot/Arid Climate, Tucson, Arizona

1979-1984

Kessler obtained $1.25 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for The University of Arizona Environmental Research Laboratory and collaborated on the project design. The only such facility in the country for hot/dry climates, it has demonstrated the effectiveness of numerous passive solar heating and cooling technologies.

Research results have been widely used for the design of naturally heated and cooled homes and commercial buildings in similar climates, including the Zion National Park Headquarters building. The research facility inspired whole communities such as Civano, a 500-home, 818-acre energy efficient development; Armory Park del Sol, a 99-home community; and a Phoenix solar subdivision.