Out with the old, in with the two new!

This client had lived in this location in an older home that was now passed it's time. The lot, with changes to the zoning is now suitable for splitting into 2 lots and we will build two new homes. First a single storey which will be their new home for a short time and then to see the building of a two storey home as their dream home.

The property is in the hills area and enjoys some outlook over the surround area to the rear and down the valley over the tree tops where the existing homes disappear in the foliage.

The clients desire is to build in framework with cladding echoing the older world charm.

The home is designed to take full advantage of a direct side orientation to the north with the living areas having large sections of glass to capture winter sun.  Eaves will provide protection for the summer sun, higher in the sky.  It's also designed to allow viewing the valley to the rear south west. 

The first home to be built is a single storey home on the corner lot and this is designed to suit a family with four bedrooms, two bathrooms with an open living area, separate media room, activity room off the kids bedrooms and an alfresco.  The living areas face north however there are very large gum trees on the council verge that will reduce winter sun access.   




In this city there are not many framed houses built because of the popularity and availability of bricks but there is a charm to building in framed construction in an older style.  A verandah at the front, as well as providing a charming look to the home will allow the clients to enjoy breakfast on the balcony which has attractive views down the street.  The balcony comes off their master suite bedroom.

With large living room windows facing north for the winter sun, the positioning of the Alfresco ideally protects against the lower setting summer sun.   Good solar design principles can be designed into the way the home is organised which translate into a better living environment and lower heating and cooling costs resulting in a lower energy use home.  

When the home has an ideal orientation like this it makes it easier to set the home up for a more comfortable living environment.  In summer with the sun higher in the sky, simple eaves will block the strong high sun which means north facing curtains can be left open and the home stays bright without having to resort to artificial lighting. Not all windows will be ideal and in taking into account the views to the south west, some additional protection will be required. 

The living area showing winter sun penetration.