Monday 18 February 2013

Building a Better Home in Canberra

How to get started - the Block

Building a home from the very early planning stage provides you with the best opportunity to live in a home that saves you money in heating and cooling, has awesome comfort levels and reduces your impact on the environment.

Where you chose to build your home will have an impact of how much you can achieve with smart planning.  The block is very important and ideally should allow you to place most of your living areas facing north.  Many of Canberra's blocks are not subdivided in a way that you can always achieve this aim.  If you get first dibs on a block, make sure you can make the most of the north.

Your budget will play a large role in what you can afford and you will need to be creative in your planning to ensure that you can achieve the desired home within your budget.

Orientation of your home is the most important step to utilising the sun's energy and the block will either help or hinder your success.

When selecting your block you should consider:


  • is it well oriented? rectangular blocks with the long side facing north let you get more use of the "free" sun.  Ideally the long side of the house (with windows to the main living areas) face between 5 degrees east of the compass north and 30 degrees west of north.
  • do you really need a massive home?  Consider a size suited to your family without the traditional formal lounge and dining that most people don't use.  Tailor the house to your expected family size.  You will use less energy to heat and cool the home;
  • go to the block at various times of the day and see what shading comes across the block from neighbouring homes and trees.  This will need to be factored into your planning;
  • does the block slope?  Can you maximise the block and build within the ACTPLA restrictions? Are there easements that need to be kept clear?
  • what is the outdoor space like?  how does the family live now? Do they use the yard a lot?
  • Is it possible to build an extension on later when your family grows?
  • Will you get the required privacy from your neighbours and the street?
If you are able to focus on this part of the process then the rest of the process will flow nicely.  An energy efficient home does not have to blow your budget, the trick is to plan it properly and go in with your eyes open and do your research.

The next blog will focus on the right home for energy efficiency.

Come and see us at our Super Showroom at 17 Townsville Street FYSHWICK or www.solacecreations.com.au


Bibliography: 
Selecting a greener, better house with lower running costs and saving the environment 2008
ACTPLA Guide to Good Design 2004