Location

Western Queensland

Description

This zone is characterised by hot dry summers and cold winter nights.

Average January maximum temperature¹

35^oC

Average July mean temperature¹

19.5^oC

Passive design features²

This climate zone’s variability presents some complex design issues to be considered given its seasonal extremes. The main passive design features that can be used to achieve this are:

• northern orientation for living room, with low-use rooms facing west eg. garages, bathroom and laundry
• minimise east and west facing walls and windows
• allow for good ventilation - windows and doorways able to catch breezes
• ceiling fans
• wide eaves and awnings to shade eastern and western side of house in summer. Northern eave provides shade in summer, but also allows winter sun inside
• ensure roof space is well-insulated and ventilated eg. whirlybirds and eave vents
• insulate walls
• lighter building materials, such as timber and metal with some denser materials for winter warmth, such as concrete and bricks
• high performance glazing in windows that are exposed directly to the sun e.g. low-e or tinted glazing on eastern & western aspects
• if using air-conditioning - ensure room is well-insulated and sealed
• a light coloured roof.

For further information on 6-star housing design, refer to the Design guide for 6-star energy equivalence housing.

^1. Bureau of Metrology (Charleville).

^2. The performance requirement P1 of the Queensland Development Code 4.1–Sustainable buildings would have to be met for the building shell - roofs, walls, windows and floors.