Design Principles

BASIX encourages you to choose a design that is appropriate to the climate that the dwelling will be located in (which is also referred to as passive design principles). This includes:

• Orientation—balancing solar access for winter warming (if required) while avoiding overheating in summer.
• Windows—balancing heat, light, ventilation and views.
• Ventilation—managing cooling breezes and reducing uncontrolled air leakage.
• Ceiling fans—providing very energy efficient cooling of the occupants.
• Insulation—reducing uncontrolled heat gain and loss through the building fabric.
• Addressing thermal bridging—addressing any unintended heat flow between the outside and inside of the building.
• Thermal mass—stabilising internal temperatures especially when there is a large day-night temperature range.
• Shading—balancing heat, light and glare.
• Roof colour and solar absorptance —making changes so the home absorbs less (or more) heat
• Roof space ventilation—cooling the home by allowing hot air and excess moisture to escape