direct gain vs. sunspace

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TMU

February 27, 2026 03:44

Can someone clarify the difference btwn. direct gain and sunspace?  Both seem to involve thermal mass--only difference I see is that sunspaces are typically separately attached from the main space..

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  Michael Z February 27, 2026 15:07 (Edited February 27, 2026 15:14)

  Direct gain = sun in room, heating
  Indirect (Trombe) = sun on mass, heat moves in / through
  Isolated gain(Sunspace) = sun in separate bright room, heat transfers over to other rooms. 

  Ching's Building Construction Illustrated shows these three well. 

   

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  TMU February 28, 2026 02:13

  Appreciate it, Michael Z!

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  Rajan K. March 04, 2026 02:47

  TMU, please see the following notes from Arniko Academy Notes:

  

   

  Source: portal.arniko.academy > Notes > Design Notes > Thermal > Direct Gain Space

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  TMU March 04, 2026 07:16

  Rajan K. The diagrams really help clarify the differences between the passive strategies.  Thank you!

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