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South facing backyard
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Author:  staceyd [ Jan 27, 2013 8:02 pm ]
Post subject:  South facing backyard

I've done the reading on orientation etc and had it in my mind that we needed either a north facing back or side yard (side only on a wide enough block)

But now that its coming time to throw some money down on a block there are a few really good value options on the other side of the road (ie, north facing front yard, south backyard.)

Is it really the end of the world to have a block with a south backyard? I mean someone has to have them, there are lots out there! We're talking a difference of over 100m2 for very little difference in price so despite having ruled them out before solely based on orientation I just keep coming back to them.

The house plan we are considering could be positioned to have no windows on the west wall. Would that be enough to compensate for the less than optimal orientation?

Author:  kiwi [ Jan 28, 2013 8:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: South facing backyard

Depends where you live. I think in tassie is might be best to go for north backyard, but in Perth maybe not so much!

It's making sure you get sun into the house as your garage and prob master bed will get all the winter north sun and the rest of the house will be cold and maybe damp in winter.

A south backyard might be quite dark in winter, depending where you live.
Ie no sun on any plants and grass might also suffer.

Depends how you live though. My mate has a south facing alfresco deck, in Sydney and in summer is it brilliant. In winter she just has the fire going from march to nov. she is on 5 acres. As the living areas/ kitchen of the house get no sun due to its positioning but does keep it cooler in summer.

If you feel good about it, and it is right for you and your family and where you live, go for it.

Author:  staceyd [ Jan 28, 2013 2:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: South facing backyard

We're on the Bellarine peninsula (So south of Melbourne) Not quite Tassie, but sometimes it doesn't feel too far off, but we still get pretty hot in Summer too though. Going from an established area to a new estate we'll likely be doing up some additional screening for the fence line etc so could probably work that in for some extra shading. Good point about the back garden too, we've got 4 boys so they'd already be pretty rough on it, minimal sun might break it, and might not be the best to get a vegie garden happening either.

Too much to think about! But I suppose we are blessed that there is so many options for us and we have the luxury of being able to consider things like orientation.

I've made an appointment with the builder we are hoping to use for Wednesday to get their input. I'm not expecting them to be super switched on with this sort of stuff but its worth a try!

Author:  selina2106 [ Jan 28, 2013 4:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: South facing backyard

Just thought I'd add, we have an east facing backyard and love it. Nice and sunny under the alfresco for breaky in winter but by arvo the house shades a lot of the backyard which is great for the kids in summer. No probs getting grass to grow either.

Author:  kiwi [ Jan 28, 2013 4:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: South facing backyard

a veg garden would work but on the back fence line, as the house wouldnt block it (the sun) during the winter,

Yes, have a chat with the builder and just find a block that is maybe south east? so you get some morning sun winter and summer.

sometimes we cant be too picky. It comes down to views, budget, and house design, but dont forget to share when you do find a block and a plan!!!

Author:  grumblebum54 [ Jan 28, 2013 6:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: South facing backyard

Our first build was a KDR with a pool already on the west side and a south facing backyard. We had never heard of orientation so it was a terrible house in summer, the bedrooms faced east and you would wake up in a ball of sweat and the living areas faced west, SO HOT.

This build the back of our house faces south east and for us it is ideal, every room seems to be facing the right way and it always feels cool. The bedrooms are on the southwest and get a bit hot in the arvo but I have fans that cool the rooms before bedtime.

With four kids I would go for the bigger block and find a good house design, there are thousands on the internet so you should find one that suits.

Author:  kiwi [ Jan 28, 2013 7:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: South facing backyard

Wise words my friend...as usual

Author:  grumblebum54 [ Jan 29, 2013 8:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: South facing backyard

I just checked the area where you are building and a south facing backyard would be aimed at Bass Strait. The peninsula has lakes and open sea so you should get some really nice breezes, hopefully not too strong.

We live less than 2km from Lake Illawarra and from mid afternoon I get a breeze through the back sliding doors into the kitchen/family/dining, even on the hot days. Heavenly!

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