When completed in 2027, Mathematics 4 (M4) will be one of a limited number of Canadian buildings to feature a solar chimney. This architectural innovation harnesses natural forces to ventilate and cool, thereby reducing a building’s energy use. It’s a bold step toward a more sustainable future for campus spaces.
But how does it work?
The chimney gives hot air a path to rise through the building and exit through vents at the roof. As warm air leaves, a slight vacuum is created, which draws in cooler, fresh air in through operable windows on the lower floors. The chimney accelerates this process by capturing the sun’s energy and further warming the air inside the chimney’s shaft, causing it to rise faster and bring in more fresh air.
“Buildings are required to always have a source of fresh air for occupants,” explains Brian Rudy (BES, BArch ’93), Partner at Moriyama + Teshima Architects, the company that designed M4. “Usually, that is done with fans and electricity. By taking the load off those fans, the solar chimney essentially provides free ventilation to the building.”
Read the full story on the Mathematics 4 website to learn more.