- Boundary fences should not block airflow (a low cyclone-wire fence
is preferable to a high brick wall;
- Make sure that your garden layout
hasn't blocked the summer breezes;
- In a new subdivision, the spacing of buildings should be carefully
considered to avoid obstruction of the wind;
- Air movement means that mosquitoes and sandflies will be less likely
to linger around the house - they prefer still air.
Because the night-to-day temperature swing is rather
small:
- materials with heat-storage capacity such as bricks and concrete
are of little benefit, particularly for bedrooms - a lighter house construction
(timber, fibro) will cool quicker at night;
Because the climate is warm all year, building heat
gain should be minimised by:
- orienting the long axis of the house east-west (if you cannot orient
for cross-ventilation, see our Darwin case study).
The long north- and south-facing walls can easily be shaded by the eaves;
- keeping windows on east and west walls to a minimum;
- shading the walls and windows - use shutters, verandahs, canopies
and/or eaves and fixed overhangs;
- using pale colours for walls and roof, to reflect the heat of the
sun;
- reflective foil insulation is good,
because it reflects incoming sunshine, but bulk insulation
is not desirable, because it prevents the house cooling down at night;
- ventilation of the roof space, to reduce heat build-up there: the
increased heat loss in the cooler season is not important;
- metal roofs which cool rapidly at night. Daytime heat gain can be
minimised by using sheeting with a reflective coating on its underside.
Because of the warm climate:
- outdoor living areas( verandahs or under an elevated house ) will
be particularly useful. Shelter from the rain is needed in summer; shade
is also desirable.
If you decide to air-condition some or part of your
house:
- the air-conditioned part of your house needs bulk insulation;
- drafts should be blocked in this section;
- double-glazed windows may also be cost-effective
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