Browse Forums General Discussion Re: Land orientation good or bad? 13Jan 26, 2020 9:06 am ddarroch As shown in Arcadelt's diagram, things get tricky when the block is orientated 45° from North. I'd much rather have a block that is orientated to one of the compass points (although I'd virtually never choose a northern frontage). It becomes much easier to orientate the home so that living areas face north. The above diagram is taken from the orientation section of the government's Your Home website. I'd recommend you read it all before choosing a block. As this is a critical decision that will shape your future comfort, energy bills, & cost of the build. Start with the passive design section, orientation, & design for climate. https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design As for lot 266. I certainly wouldn't pick it. You will have a lot of NW facing windows. West facing windows should be kept to a minimum, as eaves are ineffective at shading the sun in this direction, as it's low in the sky. This also occurs at the hottest time of the day. If I was to choose, I'd certainly pick lot 270. I think this is the PRIME lot, by quite a margin! Similar to lots 271 & 272, but likely without the issues of privacy & overshadowing. I'd build a rectangular home on this lot, close to the southern boundary. Long sides facing north & south. North facing living areas facing a large northern side yard. Living areas should be quite private, & wouldn't be overshadowed by a northern neighbour. Bedrooms to the south. Also the garage would be to the west, which is great for shading the home from the hot afternoon sun. Second choice lot 242, or similar, whichever had the widest frontage. Southern frontage means the north facing living areas will face the backyard. They'll be private, & won't be overshadowed by northern neighbours (unless there's major slopes involved). Yes you're right, lots 271 & 272 have a very good opportunity to get the orientation right, with north facing living areas (& minimal western & eastern windows). But as I mentioned, north facing living areas may produce privacy issues, looking straight at the northern neighbours. Also the northern neighbours may create overshadowing problems, shading your north facing windows in winter. That's why it would be a good idea to build as close to the southern boundary in this case, as shown in Arcadelt's diagram. Like lot 271 & 272, lot 226 will give you a very good opportunity to build a well orientated energy efficient home. There won't be concerns about overshadowing on this block (unless there's a large tree or front). But corner lots are not for everyone. There can be privacy issues, noise & light problems. Edit: I see arcadelt posted a link to the Your Home website, above the posted diagram. Read it all, learn to understand it. Buying a block is a very important decision, you want to go into that process as informed as possible. Building a home to these passive design principles will not only make it more comfortable, but will save you bucket loads of money on energy bills over the life of the build. Brilliant insights everyone and thank you all for your advice. Time for some study, and patient waiting for the right lot. Cheers Mark. 0 625 You might be able to apply to divert the sewer at your expense. In NSW you would contact a Water services co-ordinator and they would give you advice as to whether or not… 1 16148 do not pay until you are satisfied with workmanship windows require flashing over the head archithrave and up under weatherboards 3 28288 |