Climate zone 5: warm temperate Print E-mail

Location

Darling Downs region

Description

This zone is characterised by cool winters and warm summers.

Average January maximum temperature1

27.6oC

Average July mean temperature1

16.3oC

Passive design features2

The design’s main aim is keep the home warm in winter. The main design features that can be used to achieve this are:

  • northern orientation for living room, with low-use rooms facing west, e.g. 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 e.g. whirlybirds and eave vents
  • insulated walls and floors
  • denser building materials, such as concrete and brick
  • high performance glazing in windows that are exposed directly to the sun e.g. low-e or tinted glazing on eastern and western aspects
  • well sealed doors and windows
  • 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 (Toowoomba).

2. The specific 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.