The sun space has many benefits and applications in the performance of this house.

Gardening

Hydroponic growing tables are included in the sun space which allows the homeowner to grow a large portion of their own produce, herbs and flowers year round in a space that is perfect for the morning paper and a cup of coffee.  This space is over 20' tall so you can even have a tropical fruit tree growing in the sun space. The irrigation for the planting beds and the hydroponic tables is supplied by the rainwater harvesting system and is free of all chlorine and other contaminates that are found in the municiple water.

Integrated Ventilation and Air Purification System (iVAPS)

SIPS houses are extremely tight and the iVAPS allows for controlled air exchange and purification.  Air is brought into the sun space through a filter to eliminate most pollen and airborne particulates.  The sun space contains common house plants that NASA studies have shown to remove common airborne pollutants.  The air also takes on the fragrance of the herbs and flowers growing in the sun space.  The air is then introduced into the house where it is continuously circulated through a HEPA filter to remove any remaining contaminants.

Passive/Active Solar Assisted Heating

During the colder months the South facing sun space warms up during sunny days.  An industrial grade controller monitors the temperatures inside, outside and at the ceiling in the sun space.  When conditions are right, the controller turns on a fan that brings in heated air from the highest part of the sun space and introduces it into the house.  The system coordinates with the iVAPS to keep the proper pressure balance in the house.