6 Considerations When Building A Home Fit For Summer
Temperatures during Aussie summers can soar higher than we’d like, so it’s nice knowing you can rely on the cool refuge of your home. But how can you make sure the house you’re building is fit for the heat?
From house insulation to green home designs, here are 6 things to consider when building a home that can withstand any weather conditions.
1. Insulation
First off is proper house insulation. Quality ceilig, floor and wall insulation will ensure comfort for all seasons – keeping the heat in for winter and cooling the house down during summer. It can also help to save on energy costs, by keeping air-conditioning to a minimum. Choosing the right insulation for your house is important and Bradford Insulation do a great job of this, but it’s also important to consider all materials used when constructing a house.
Hebel panels perform well thermally, helping to keep your house cool from the heat in summer.
2. Positioning of your property
Builder, Carty Homes
There’s a lot to consider when positioning your home, like the angles of the sun and the direction of the breeze during summer and winter. According to YourHome, the ideal orientation for living areas is within the range 15°W–20°E of true north – this is relevant for both hot and cold seasons.
3. Go green
Having plants throughout your home gives it a vibrant, natural look. And it also keeps the air cool. In a study on carbon dioxide and climate change, researchers explain that through photosynthesis, a plant takes in carbon dioxide, then gives off water. This ‘evatranspiration’ cools the plant and the air around it.
4. A well-ventilated house design
, Riva 26
Natural ventilation can have a huge impact on temperature. The basic idea is to plan the home so that the natural breeze from outside passes through it. From large sliding doors and well-positioned windows, to an open living plan, this layout keeps fresh air flowing for free – making it a money-saving, energy-efficient house design.
Effective home ventilation can be achieved with an open home design, but also with a powered ventilation system – or air conditioner.
5. Glass solution
Windows are great for letting sunlight in, but they can also let heat in if design and placement isn’t well thought through. An additional invisible Low E coating (Low emissivity) can be added to the glass allowing it to act as a barrier to the sun’s heat. Some options to consider include using solar control glass to minimise the transmission of infrared light that carries most of the sun’s heat, whilst still letting in as much light as possible. It might also be worth considering double glazing for enhanced insulation.
Chat to your builder about the different glass options for your home or check out Viridian Glass for more information
6. Walling and flooring
Builder, E-con Group using Hebel PowerFloor
When it comes to constructing your home, using the right materials is essential. Hebel is an excellent thermal performer. It helps to prevent outside heat from transferring inside in summer, and in winter helps keep internal warmth contained. That means less reliance on heating and cooling and greater control over your energy costs.
If you’re looking to build your dream home and want some inspiration on how to achieve a home that’s beautiful on the outside and inside – Download our Hebel Brochure
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