Current at: 02 March 2007
Passive Heating
By carefully planning the design of your new home or renovation, you can ensure you reap the benefits of passive solar access into the home.
In general, think about grouping living areas along the north facade and bedrooms along the south or east facade.
Living areas
and the kitchen are usually the most important locations for passive heating as they are used day and evening.
Bedrooms
require less heating. It is easy to get warm and stay warm in bed. Children's bedrooms can be classified as living areas if considerable hours are spent there.
Utility and service
areas such as bathrooms, laundries and garages are used for short periods and generally require less heating. These areas are best located:
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To the west or south west, to act as a buffer to hot afternoon sun and the cold westerly winds common to many regions.
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To the east and south east, except where this is the direction of cooling breezes.
Detached garages
to the east and west can protect north facing courtyards from low angle summer sun and direct cooling breezes into living spaces.
Compact floor plans
minimise external wall and roof area, thereby minimising heat loss. Determine a balance between minimising heat loss and achieving adequate daylight and ventilation.
Consider
specific regional heating and cooling needs and the site characteristics to determine an ideal building shape.
For further information go to www.yourhome.gov.au