thisplace.com.au - General Checklist for Energy Efficient House Design

Main Daytime Living Areas
Locate main daytime living areas along north facing walls with large window area protected by eaves. Eaves should project about 75cm ( 30 inches ) from north facing walls. Greater overhang or other methods of protection is generally desirable in the tropics.

Patios
Patios are ideally located along a north facing wall, protected from summer sun by adjustable louvres, angle slats or pergola

South Facing Walls
South facing walls should have sufficient window area to allow cross-ventilation, but should also have curtains with pelmets to minimise heat loss in winter. In the tropics it mat be desirable to design, Site Specifically with as view to loosing heat for cooling in mid year as well as summer

East/West Facing Walls
East/west facing walls should have little or no window area, unless shaded by deep overhang, verandah or large trees, vertical screens or buildings to the southeast/southwest. Overhangs should ideally project at least 2 metres from the wall and the eaves should be the same height as the top of the window

West Facing Windows
If east or west facing windows are essential ( for view ) and cannot be protected by a deep low overhang, install curtains, venetian blinds or solar window film

Summer Breezes
Design room layout and window placement so that cool prevailing summer breezes can pass through the house relatively unobstructed

Channeling Breezes
Projecting sections of the house may be used to channel easterly breezes into the north or south facing windows

Ceiling Fans
If one or more rooms are unlikely to receive through breezes install ceiling fans

Large Windows
Avoid large window areas or openings facing toward prevailing winter winds ( not necessarily in the tropics - will depend upon micro climate of the particular site )

Insulation
Insulate the roof and east/west walls with reflective foil and bulk insulation. If winter heating is a concern, the south and north facing walls should at least be insulated. If winter heating or summer cooling is a major concern all walls should be insulated

Solar Hot Water
Provide for a section of north-facing roof, with a slope of at least 10 deg. which is also able to support the weight of a solar collector and water storage unit

For further information contact Archicentre (07) 3846 4957

Source: Archicentre technical information centre