Description

High humidity summer, warm winter

Average January mean temperature¹

31.5oC

Average July mean temperature¹

25.7oC

Features to achieve a 5-star rating²

• 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
• use ceiling fans and high ceilings
• wide eaves and awnings to shade the whole house
• ensure roof space is well-insulated and ventilated e.g. whirlybirds and eave vents
• insulate walls
• use lighter building materials, such as timber and metal
• treat sun exposed windows e.g. tinting
• if using air-conditioning—ensure room is well-insulated and sealed
• use light coloured roof
• design the home to be cyclone-proof.

^1.As per the Bureau of Metrology (Cairns).

^2. The specific energy efficiency standards contained within Part 3.12 of the Building Code of Australia 2008 (Volume Two) would have to be met for the building shell—roofs, walls, windows and floors.