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.
Summer Strategies
- Ventilation to cool internal spaces
- Solar defence through the design of the building skin
Winter Strategies
- Solar gain to heat the internal spaces
- Fast response from the light weight building structure to heat quickly
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