Page 188 - Australian House & Garden (January 2020)

H G advice

The green house
FU T U RE FACI NG

a home’s orientation can play a huge role in how comfortable

and energy-efficient it is, writes Sarah Pickette.

anyAustraliansunderstandtheproblemsassociatedwithlivingin 3 OF A KIND
apoorlyoriented(andusuallyunder-insulated)home.“Thelessons AWNINGS
Mhavebeenlearnt,”saysCraigEtchells,co-ownerofEtchellsBuilding
DesignontheNSWCentralCoast.“Today,homeownershaveamuchbetter
grasp of the role orientation plays in keeping our homes liveable.”
Orientation truly is, if you’ll pardon the pun, a vital building block for
anyone interested in having a sustainable home. “Coupled with the right
shading strategy, orientation is a major factor in ensuring your home is
comfortable during summer and affordable to run,” says Jeremy McLeod,

design director of Melbourne-based Breathe Architecture.
Ideally,you’dchooseasiteorhomewithgoodorientationforyourclimate
zoneandthenbuildorrenovatetomaximisethatblockofland’spotential The Windoware awnings range offers
forpassiveheatingandpassivecooling.“Whatconstitutesawell-oriented 90 per cent UV protection but still allows
sitewillvaryacrossthenation;intheSydneyclimaticzone,ablockwitha some visibility. A pull rod loop and enclosed
headbox make operation smooth and
north-facing backyard is best,” says Etchells. “Most of our clients want simple. Bunnings; bunnings.com.au.
open-planlivingareasattherear,flowingontooutdoorspaces.Ifyourhome
has a north-facing backyard, you should have both good natural light and
cooling breezes throughout summer.”

Everysitehasitsownmicroclimatetoconsider,headds.“Spendingtime
onsite for a new build or, even better, living in a home before renovating
will give you valuable insights into how the sun tracks over your block.”

“THE RIGHT ORIENTATION AND SHADING STRATEGY ENSURES
YOUR HOME IS COMFORTABLE AND AFFORDABLE TO RUN.”
Jeremy McLeod, design director, Breathe Architecture Constructed with stainless-steel cables,
Evo Cable awnings are durable enough to
use even on coastal homes. They allow
But it’s not always easy – or possible – for your house to be correctly good airflow alongside outstanding UV
oriented. “Sometimes it might feel like you’re doing battle with Mother protection. Luxaflex Window Fashions;
Naturetoachieveacomfortableandeco-friendlyhome,”saysEtchells.“You luxaflex.com.au.
needtobecleveraboutimprovingenergyoutcomes–thinkrakedceilings,

high-performancewindows,windowtreatments,thermalmass,insulation
and ventilation. All these design factors can really make a difference.”
It’s also good to have an understanding of how to implement passive
cooling, says McLeod. “Pull awnings and blinds down before the sun hits,
and open windows and doors when a cool change comes through in the
evening.Youmightbepleasantlysurprised at the difference this can make
to your reliance on airconditioning.”
Australianslovetowelcomethesunandlightintotheirhomes,McLeod

says, and when this is done well the end result is a home that’s beautiful More durable than a straight-drop design,
and comfortable year-round. “Incorporating passive cooling and heating Zip Style awnings are a great choice when
space is tight; they don’t protrude very far
into a home reduces your reliance on energy derived from fossil fuels and and are a great solution for windows close
your impact on the environment.” # to fences. Wynstan; wynstan.com.au.

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