Abstract: A hollow concrete block wall, and method of making same, are disclosed. A first course of hollow concrete blocks are laid end-to-end abutting relationship, a pair of separate redwood strips are placed on top of the wall, a second course of hollow concrete blocks are laid on the redwood strips, with the strips serving to align the second hollow concrete block course at the bottom surface thereof, a second pair of redwood strips are laid on top of the second course of blocks, and so forth until the wall is in place. Thereafter, pourable settable cementitious material is introduced into the hollow spaces inside the concrete blocks, as well as the area between each pair of redwood strips, and the cementitious material permitted to set. The redwood strips maintain the wall in the dry stack condition by a friction bond between the redwood strips and the concrete blocks until the cementitious material has set.

Abstract: Apparatus for the utilization of radiated solar energy to heat the interior space of a building includes a solar energy collector in the form of a south-facing wall, energy storage elements in the form of remaining wall structures that, in combination with the collector wall, define the interior space, and a combination of conduit and air moving apparatus to circulate air warmed by the solar energy collector wall to the storage walls, where energy is stored, and returning the exhausted air to the collector wall.