Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Jun 14, 2016 10:11 pm Hi all, New to this site and just wanting some advice on aspect/orientation with a new build we're embarking on currently. We are knocking down our existing home and building an Airlie 33 with Boutique. The issue we are having is deciding which way to face our main living windows and al fresco. Option 1 - Leave our driveway/crossover where it is and have our main living windows and al fresco facing east/south east as well as our main garden/lawn area. Option 2 - Put in a new crossover/driveway on the other side of the block and have main living windows, al fresco and main garden/lawn facing south west. I'm of the understanding that option 1 could mean too much shade and not enough sun, while option 2 will be too hot to utilise the garden space for the kids in the warmer months when you'd presumably want to use it most. Would appreciate any thoughts on this... Thanks in advance. Re: Orientation for my new build 2Jun 15, 2016 9:00 am Have you read these two extensive threads ?... Passive Solar Design in Sydney viewtopic.php?f=35&t=71561 House Orientation viewtopic.php?f=31&t=55057 Stewie Re: Orientation for my new build 3Jun 15, 2016 10:24 am It looks like botique homes is a Melbourne builders, so presumably you're building there. That would mean that you're more interested in heating in winter than keeping cool in summer? Is the yard primarily out the back, or on the dining room side? Which way does the back face? The only exposed living room window on the plan is facing to the back, which won't change by flipping the plan. However, it may be possible to add a window to the living wall that is shown with a TV on it. Re: Orientation for my new build 4Jun 15, 2016 10:48 am We are also building with Boutique. To avoid extra costs with your 6 star energy rating we had to re locate our crossover so all our living areas & alfresco are like your option 2. If you don't go with this option Boutique can't guarantee it will comply with the 6 star energy rating & you may have to pay more money. Re: Orientation for my new build 5Jun 16, 2016 8:11 pm Thanks for the info everyone, really helpful! I think we will try to face south-west and bring in more light and sunshine Thanks again. 0 250 Thank you so much everyone. This all makes a lot of sense. I guess when you talk to a builder who butters up everything to look very polished, you get to start believing… 7 17591 |