Ventilation

The design should manage breezes and allow for controlled ventilation while reducing uncontrolled air leakage. Ventilation is important for thermal comfort, air quality and moisture control.

Managing breezes involves:

using operable windows;
having windows on both sides of the dwelling for cross-ventilation;
landscaping and window layout to capture cooling breezes in summer;
landscaping and window layout to deflect cold breezes in winter; and
having high-level windows to allow hot air to escape and draw in cooler air from low-level windows.

Controlling ventilation involves:

using operable windows that seal well;
locating windows so they can be open and secure regardless of the weather;
installing weatherstripping and draught-sealing doors;
sealing the dwelling to minimise uncontrolled air leakage.

Managing breezes involves:

Controlling ventilation involves:

See also: