The Heliodon
Heliodons or "sun machines" are devices used to simulate the sun’s movement in relation to a structure.
© Gretchen Franti / Hoachlander Davis Photography
The Green House
exhibition included several interactive features – including its very own heliodon. Heliodons, or "sun machines," are used to simulate the sun’s movement in relation to a structure. A heliodon can be configured to observe sunlight and shading patterns for clear sky conditions anywhere in the world, adjusting for season, time of day, and site location. Architects and builders study these patterns to orient a house on its site in a way that optimizes natural heating and cooling.This heliodon was specifically created for The Green House exhibition to track the sun’s movements over an example Glidehouse™ located in Washington, DC (39°17' N 76°36' W). Using the heliodon, visitors explored the ways in which the sun would impact the house at different times of day and year, for better or worse.
