Warm summer, cool winter (temperate climate)

Where is it?

In Australia, this climate type is found in the southern and south-eastern coastal zones (see chart). Melbourne and Adelaide have a temperate climate. Some of the design tips for hot dry climates will be useful in places with very warm summers (for example, Adelaide).

What's it like?

The temperate climate has mild to warm summers and cool winters. The need for winter heating is greater than the need for summer cooling.

House design aim:

In this climate, the aim is to maximise building heat gain in winter and to minimise it in summer. Check our design tips for a temperate climate.

What to look for in a building block?

Access to winter sunshine is the top priority - avoid blocks, which will be over-shadowed in winter by obstructions north of the house site. You'll need information on solar elevation.

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