It is of paramount importance for sub-divisions to be designed
so the maximum number of blocks are designed for private outdoor
areas and are located in the northern direction. This means blocks
should have part of the backyard or the side facing north.
An environmental rating system has been devised in collaboration
with and for implementation by Land Corp. Emphasis has been on the
orientation of the block, the simplicity of shape and proportion
and minimum frontage dimensions, all creating maximum opportunity
to gain the winter sun and achieve privacy. Apart from the solar
benefits of this approach, proper selection of the block will
enable a home owner to establish outdoor areas that take advantage
of wind sheltering and the opportunity to gain morning winter sun,
often a desirable feature for those who enjoy having breakfast
outside in winter, springtime and autumn.
At Clarkson, a suburb north of Perth city, Land Corp has been
able to provide 80% of the blocks with correct orientation and
shape and thus providing the opportunity to plan a cost effective
energy efficient dwelling on most blocks. In most sub-divisions
only 20% of blocks would qualify for this description.
The frontage of 18 metres to 20 metres is a desirable minimum
where a block faces north to the backyard. If the views or outlooks
are also to the rear, then all the better. With blocks with
frontages facing east or west, the frontage can be reduced to 15
metres and thus encouraging the designer to run the plan down the
block, setting back from the north boundary about 5 metres or 20 to
ensure solar access in winter to the northern windows.
Environmental "Class A" ratings will in the future help to
encourage designers and builders to recommend to their clients to
purchase them, recognising their attributes and value in providing
the maximum level of climate sensible design in architectural
concepts.
Author: Garry Baverstock