Climate & Mircoclimate

The Healthy Home Project is located on the Gold Coast next to the Pacific coastline. The Australian continent lies to the west and the ocean is to the east. The site has a subtropical climate that is moderated by a coastal microclimate. In winter the coastal location moderates the air temperatures upwards as compared to inland areas (typical temperature range is 10 deg C min to 21 deg C max). In summer the surrounding buildings reduce the access to the sea breeze, therefore the surface temperatures of the built environment are increased (typical temperature range is 20 deg C min to 28 deg C max).

The coastal location determines the prevailing wind conditions. The site experiences off shore westerlies in the early morning. The wind then swings around through the south during the day to be on shore easterly in the afternoon and evening. The wind then swings back through the south to the west overnight. This is a land breeze/sea breeze combination that is typical of an Australian east coast location.

A number of strategies are used in the house to improve the response to the climate in this location including insulations of walls and ceiling, shading of windows and cross ventilation using breezeway and louvres.

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