Solar Energy and the Built Environment
Solar energy passive design considerations have not yet become mainstream building industry practice in Australia, despite its many positive advances in the built environment.
In my opinion, conservative forces in the building industry are still going out of their way to stifle progress by lobbying government for negligible changes to the building code compliance system and even pushing to water down the debate, so that the long established building industry approach to land subdivision and the building of packaged ‘project’ homes remains largely unchanged.
Built Environment Solar Passive Design Saves 80-90% Energy
Built Environment South Beach House
Image: 2010 Residence located at South Beach, Western Australia Designed by Ecotect-Architects
This design is passive solar with solar water heating, photovoltaic and water conservation technologies which will save 80 – 90% energy and up to 60% water usage, when compared to the average luxury home or “Mac-Mansion”! A 2005 award-winning solar passive house also designed by Ecotect-Architects is featured in the Swanbourne Centre blog.
The image shows the western façade with the north solar collection façade running down the block to create maximum privacy. (Note: for buildings in the northern hemisphere the aspect would be to the south rather than north.)