Solar renovation for an old property

7 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hi, We're considering purchasing an older property on 1/4 acre block in Mount Claremont. It's east-west facing - I know not as idea as north facing but I'm wondering what options we'd have. We'd probably look to extend at the back (east) but would need to fully renovate the property and the idea would be to make it as solar passive as possible. How doable is this, given the position of the property (front facing west, back facing east)?

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PRO

MB Design & Drafting

7 years ago

Use courtyards for example between new and old to allow Northern penetration.

What about 'clerestory' window's, these will allow Northern light as well as creating a thermal chimney.

There are many options to allow Northern light into a dwelling. It is just a big harder to design. North facing living is easy (to an extent) to achieve when it's situated that direction.

Solar Passive is just as much about everything else apart from North facing as you need thermal mass, ventilation, insulation, etc.. to make it work.

Every designer now must consider solar, micro climate's, window's, etc. otherwise the dwelling will fail the thermal efficiency requirements. Usually a minimum of 6 Star's is required......

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Comments (6)

oklouise
7 years ago
every building has a north face: it depends on how the space inside is used and the outlook from inside..If you like the area and the size of the block and the potential views the house can always been improved...subject only to available time and money!! a floorplan with direction of views may help you decide
Kim Ribbink
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi - I appreciate the response, but you wouldn't want to have your outlook to the north - you'd be looking at the wall dividing you and the neighbour. The back garden (east) is absolutely beautiful and the front garden (west) is lovely too, so you'd want to be looking out onto this.
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Hi Dave, Julie here, I am an interior Designer so let’s see if I can help you. Great plan firstly, but just a few things to consider. Your dining area is quite large so a lot of space that could be utilised better. I personally think a kitchen taking the length of the back wall is more powerful visually and also a large island would work better than just a corner kitchen. If you brought the kitchen forward you could also do a hidden Buttler’s pantry taking up the length of the back wall (east). Also your study has no natural light. Maybe consider a sky light or a the wall facing North can be 3/4 high and the top of that wall can be glazing. Otherwise it will feel a bit suffocating. You could also do a lovely walk-in large shower in Master and rework that whole space with the walk in closet If you would like a consultation to discuss further don’t hesitate to contact me. .
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Kim Ribbink
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the recommendations. For us it's about having a home that's lovely but also energy efficient, or as energy efficient as possible, and that makes good use of the space. If we decide to buy I'll start looking at options. The area, the gardens, etc. couldn't be more perfect. I guess you just work around other aspects as best you can.
PRO
Designers by Nature
7 years ago
@MB Design & Drafting has hit the nail on the head. If the aspect and gardens are what is drawing you to this property, a good design should be able to incorporate these elements as well as solid solar passive design. Best of luck.
Kim Ribbink
Original Author
7 years ago
Many thanks. The house itself is really nothing special but yes, the garden, the area, the leafy neighbourhood and the nearby bush land and ocean make it a dream location.

Solar renovation for an old property

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oklouise

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Solar renovation for an old property

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