we're building in Childers Qld (Zone 2) on top of a hill 120m above sea level with no chance of being built-in as we are on a 69 acre block. Quite windy all the time predominately from the SE. All outside doors will be security. Roof has vents in the gables on all four sides so I can leave open to purge heat during summer and close off in winter. Bed 2&3 doors used to be adjacent bathroom door for cross breezes but a layout change in the bathroom meant having its door on the east now. Not ideal but necessary. Dark colour unfortunately is dictated by our very red soil that will stain any light colour so had to go dark, would of preferred light. So I should make my eaves 1200mm all around?

our Solar Skylight (not Solar Tube) has a panel on the ceiling that connects via a fibre optic cable through the roof space and comes out under the ridge capping to connect to a small Solar panel up to 9 m away: there's no disturbance to the roofing and no shaft between the roof and ceiling...the Illume Brand (with the widest range of standard and custom sizes) was not available locally so we installed DIY Acol or Ezylite brand Solar Skylights from Bunnings for about $300. installed in less than 1 hr by a confident handyperson and no need for plumber or electrician. We're delighted with the extra light, especially pleased that we haven't created a potential leak point in the roof and have just ordered some more

My house is also built at the top of a hill, the summit and is cut into a cliff. We bought it, it was built in the 90s and the orientation is entirely wrong. The living areas face west and all bedrooms are in the east. The master is exposed to the western and the northern sunshine. It’s nice in the winter and entirely unbearable in the summer. The same goes for my living room. We take extra long holidays in the summer to avoid being at home. The home had no insulation in ceilings, and raked ceilings. So the first thing we did was remove the roof sheeting install battens to create a cavity and installed R3.5 insulation. We are also upgrading installing new windows to upgrade the glazing on the western windows and looking to put insulation in all the walls It also gets really windy, so windy. So I understand your concerns. When it gets windy the entire house shakes. So the next thing will be to improve the bracing. There is a 3-4metre clearance under our home for storage. We could do a build in under. Even with the positioning of our shed and close proximity to the home it does little to shelter from the wind. We are considered the building an “outdoor room” which would act as an alfresco with skylights, lounge, pool and kitchenette that could act as an outdoor entertainment area when weather permits. I just did a sustainable design for a client nearby. I am so jealous of her amazing home. Her land is smaller then my land and her land cost the same price as my house and land. So I am grateful for what I have.

Hi! We are building our outdoor area and we want to include strip lighting under our bench seating. Anyone used battery powered strip lighting? I know there is wireless however , seems to still have to be plugged in to mains to operate ?? - i could be wrong ? Any help on lighting without an electrician greatly appreciated