'ANGLING FOR A SUNNY OUTLOOK' Article

'ANGLING FOR A SUNNY OUTLOOK' ARTICLE IN THE AGE NEWSPAPER, SAT, AUGUST 1, 2009.

This article I consider less important for the Domus task itself, however I decided to put it into my own personal 2B blog.

I found it interesting to read as it not only reinstates the obvious design elements that designers today are working with...but also what to do in the case of an existing dwelling, and ways to improove what you already have!!

Given that due to urban planning, subdivision size and setback requirements make ideally orientated houses thin on the ground....

In the Northern suburbs, they are not very common. Alot of blocks are aligned east-west due to the roads going north-south.

So, therefore because of this, and in combination with planning, it is difficulf to achieve a northerly aspect to windows or open space.

What to do:

• Passive design uses climate to help a home's "building envelope" - roof, walls, windows, floors and internal walls - control heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, reducing extremes, and therfore, the need for artificial heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting. This makes homes cheaper to run and easier on the environment.
• Good orientation helps achieve good passive design and performance at a minimal cost... but what to do to improove what you have:
• Adding small courtyards or light wells to the north side of poorly orientated properties...this is a great way to bring northern light into the centre of the house.
• If cost is prohibitive, skylights or glazed portions of roof can work.... When placed abouve stairwells, these can bring light to the ground floor.
• High-level windows are another efficient way to introduce light into dark homes and vent air in summer, but they do need adequate sun protection in summer.
• In winter: Double glazing, energy-efficient (low-e) glass and external blinds.
• Low cost: Sealing gaps and old vents, zoning stairways with snug-fitting curtains or doors in winter and using casement windows to capture prevailing breezes in summer.

The article also provides options for sites running from north to south (ideal orientation, and HOW to plan for maximum gain), also, existing homes that are of period style, and have previously been applied and built without aby regard for orientation.