raw · articles · ingested 2026-06-30
Beadwall / Zomeworks 1983 — Fine Homebuilding forum (2006)
Source: Steve Baer / Zomeworks archive
URL: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/forum/beadwall-zoneworks-1983
Original post: Rich Beckman, July 4, 2006
Subject: 1983 superinsulated home with Beadwall installation
Installation description (1983 home)
- Two-story solarium with large windows
- 4-inch airspace between panes filled with beads at night
- Beads fill time: approximately 5 minutes
- Bead storage: ~800 gallons in four 200-gallon outdoor tanks
- Two motors per closet: one for inflation, one for extraction
- Tile flooring on concrete slab; ceiling fans distribute heated air through insulated ducts to other rooms
- Home heating: small wood stove only (no other heating system)
Long-term reliability data
After 10 years of operation:
- Only maintenance: rebuilt one motor — approximately $200 cost
- No problems with moisture or bead clumping reported
Technical notes from discussion
- Humidity vs. static electricity: One commenter noted that higher humidity benefits the system — in arid climates, low humidity causes static electricity and dust clinging to panes. The Southwest (Zomeworks’ home territory) is therefore the harder climate for long-term bead performance.
- Zomeworks still manufacturing (2006): Gary in the forum confirmed the manufacturer is Zomeworks, still producing passive photovoltaic trackers at time of discussion. Spelling correction to “Zomeworks” (not “Zoneworks”).
- Baer identified as founder; Sunspots named as reference.
Significance
This forum thread provides the only real-world installation performance data for a Beadwall system in the archive: 10-year maintenance history, specific tank/motor counts, and fill time. It confirms durability despite common concerns about long-term bead behavior.