The climatic conditions in Australia, particularly in the western region of Perth, Western Australia, are characterized by their severity, with temperatures often exceeding 42 degrees Celsius during the summer months. As such, the design and construction of homes in these areas necessitates a careful and thoughtful approach to ensure thermal comfort and energy efficiency. One of the primary strategies to achieve this is by harnessing the warmth of the northern winter sun, which can significantly reduce the dependency on costly energy sources such as electricity or gas. However, the challenge lies in designing homes that can effectively keep out the summer heat, or prevent the heat from being trapped inside.
In Perth, a majority of homes are equipped with air conditioning units. The design of these homes often features low ceilings with no air vents, leading to a lack of cross ventilation. Windows are typically placed randomly without any consideration for their orientation towards the north. This lack of orientation can further exacerbate the problem by allowing the sun’s rays to penetrate the house unhindered. Additionally, the presence of roller shutters can trap heat within the house, while the insulation in the ceiling space can also contribute to the problem by trapping the heat.
The result of these design flaws is a home that is uncomfortable to live in during the summer, with temperatures soaring to 42 degrees Celsius, and freezing in the winter when temperatures can drop to a chilly 4 degrees Celsius. Aesthetically, most homes in Perth lack appeal, with their design often being out of proportion and lacking in visual interest.
However, these issues can be resolved by engaging the services of an architect. Architects are trained to design homes that are not only visually pleasing but also functionally efficient. This involves a careful consideration of the proportions of the home, the placement of windows, and the orientation of the house towards the sun. Architects also study the effects of insulation and how it can be used to regulate the temperature within the home.
The cost of engaging an architect may seem high, with their consulting fee typically accounting for around 9% of the total cost of the building contract. However, this initial investment can lead to significant savings in the long run. The average power bill for a typical three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Perth is approximately $600 per month. By investing in smart design, it is feasible to reduce this average power bill by 50%. Over a period of ten years, these savings can add up to a significant amount, potentially exceeding $40,000.
Furthermore, an architect will also consider other factors such as the cost of maintenance, the design of the landscape, and the overall aesthetics of the home. The goal is to create a home that is not only comfortable but also energy-efficient and visually pleasing.
The most important aspect of any home is the comfort and stress-free environment it provides. This is a place where one can unwind and relax after a long day of work. By investing in the services of an architect, one can ensure that their home is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a place where they can truly retreat to at the end of the day.
Imagine the winter sun streaming through your north-facing windows onto slate tiles. These tiles are designed to absorb the sun’s warmth during the day and slowly radiate it back into the home during the night. The eaves are set at the correct distance from the external walls to keep the summer sun out and allow the winter sun in. High ceilings with operable vents are closed in winter and opened in summer to allow for natural ventilation. Ceiling fans are installed for additional ventilation. Double glazed windows are used to reduce heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer. These are just a few of the technical details that an architect will consider in their design.
The positioning of deciduous trees and the inclusion of lush lawns can also contribute to the cooling of the home. However, ironically, many homeowners choose to have brick or concrete paving laid around their homes. This choice, while aesthetically pleasing, can contribute to the heating of the home during the summer due to its high heat absorption capacity.
A century ago, most Perth homes had 3-meter ceiling heights, timber floors raised off the ground, and vented ceilings. These features made the homes cool in the summer and chilly in the winter. Today, however, many homes in Perth have 2.4-meter ceiling heights, hard concrete floors, and no ceiling vents. This change in design has led to homes that are less thermally comfortable and more reliant on artificial cooling and heating.
In conclusion, designing a north-facing home in Australia to maximize exposure to the warm winter sun can not only make the home more comfortable but also more energy-efficient. This makes investing in an architect a worthwhile decision. Seek initial advice from The handyman
My personal favorite architect is Frank Lloyd Wright, and one of his most iconic designs is the Fallingwater residence at Bear Run. Built in 1936, this home’s design remains timeless and continues to inspire architects and homeowners alike. Its modern aesthetic, coupled with its energy efficiency, makes it a prime example of what can be achieved with thoughtful design.
Author Patrick McMurray