The Australian summers are severe, especially in Perth Western Australia, where temperatures can reach 42c. So thoughtfully designed homes are essential. Harnessing the warm northern winter sun will help reduce reliance on costly energy. However, the greatest challenge is to keep out the summer heat, or avoid trapping the heat inside. Most homes in Perth are air conditioned. They have low ceilings with no air vents so there is little or no cross ventilation. 

Windows are placed randomly. No attention to Northerly orientation. To make matters even worse they have roller shutters. And there is insulation in the ceiling space, which traps in the heat. So you have an oven in the summer and freezing in the winter. Winter temperatures can drop to 4c. 

Aesthetically very few homes have any degree of  appeal; they are not pleasing to look at and all out of proportion. But the good news is, all above problems can be solved by engaging an Architect to design a functional home that is mathematically correct by proportion and pleasing to look at. That is what they are trained to do, form follows function. They study for five years and then work in an architectural practice for another two years. And, once passed their final examinations can legally call themselves an architect.

Now you will be asking the question? Architects come at a high price. Generally their consulting fee for full documentation, tender preparation and full supervision is about 9% of the building contract sum. The build cost will also be slightly higher. But this one time cost is more of an investment. The average power bill for an average 3bedroom 2 bathroom home is about $600.00 per month. It is quite feasible to shave 50% off those average power bills via smart design. Take into consideration the ever increasing cost of power and calculate the cost savings over ten years you will be saving about $40,000 or more.

The other aspects an architect will consider is low cost to maintain, landscaping. In fact everything to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter without sacrificing aesthetics will be achieved.

The most important aspect of all is a comfortable and relatively stress free environment. This is a place to unwind and relax. So investing in an architect will be worthwhile in the long term . You will have an aesthetically pleasing home; One that you will be happy to retreat to at the end of a long hard day’s work.

Imagine the winter sun streaming through your north facing windows onto slate tiles. All day they are soaking up the warmth of the sun. Come night fall that heat stored in the tiles gradually radiates and will keep your home warm. The eaves will be set at the correct distance from the external walls to keep the summer sun out and let the winter sun in. High ceilings with operable vents closed in winter and opened in summer. Ceiling fans for ventilation. Double glazed windows. These are just a few technicalities that an architect will engage to achieve the desired goals.

Positioning deciduous trees correctly placed will also help and add appeal. Even lush lawns in close proximity can help cool things down. But, ironically most home owners have brick or concrete paving laid. Why, because they can’t spare time to maintain lawns. So you have brick paving around the home sucking up the summer sun. They are too hot to walk on bare foot and just ad to a hot living space.

Step back a hundred years. Most Perth homes had 3metre ceiling heights, timber floors raise off the ground and vented ceilings. They were cool in the summer, but chilly in the winter. Now they have 2.4 metre ceiling heights, hard concrete floors, no ceiling vents.

So, as you can see, designing a north facing home in Australia to maximize exposure to that warm winter sun sun will not only make your home more comfortable but also more energy-efficient. So investing in an architect is worthwhile.

My favourite architect is Frank Lloyd Wright. And my favourite residential building in his falling water design at bear Run. Built in 1936, it is a timeless design and looks like a modern home in any era. Recognised residential building in the world, not surprising for just a glance will inspire.