Location

The location of the Healthy Home project next to the Pacific coast with the Australian continent to the west and the ocean to the east determines, to a large extent, the prevailing wind conditions. The site experiences westerlies in the early morning. The wind swings around through the south during the day to be easterly in the afternoon and evening. The prevailing wind then swings back through the south to the west overnight. This is a land breeze/sea breeze combination typical of a coastal location.

The site has a sub-tropical climate that is moderated by a coast maritime microclimate. In winter, the coastal location moderates temperatures upwards as compared to inland areas. In summer the urban context reduces access to sea breezes and the density of the built environment increases surface temperatures. As a consequence the site acts as a heat sink. Some relief is provided by an adjacent laneway which gives access to breeze. A number of strategies are used to improve the climate response of the building in this location.

Click here for Technical Detail.