|
Natural heating and cooling - use the
climate to keep you house at a comfortable temperature. Consider
orientation (which rooms get the most sun, put living rooms on the
northern side), ventilation, insulation and shading - the principles of
passive design. |
|
Address the street - the home should have
a house number at the front which is easy to read, good external
lighting and well-defined driveway and entries. |
|
safe
floors - design floors and the showers to be step-free and use surfaces
that are slip-resistant and easy to clean. |
|
Future proof - living areas and at least one bedroom and
toilet on the entry level should be readily accessible from the front
boundary or car, to accommodate your changing needs.Casual surveillance
- design your home to have easy surveillance of play areas for safety
and surveillance of the street from the main living area for security. |
|
Efficient water heating - solar hot water,
natural gas or an electric heat pump will lower your heating bill and
help the environment. |
|
Long-term maintenance - reduce the repair
and ongoing costs of your home by using low-maintenance materials. |
|
Reduce water usage - use
water-efficient appliances, fitting s and landscaping, and consider
water tanks to collect water for gardens and flushing toilets. |
|
Indoor air quality - avoid
materials that contain volatile organic compounds which can impact on
your health by causing irritation and allergies. |
|
Outdoor living - consider permanently
covered play and entertainment areas with a good relationship to indoor
spaces. |
| |
|
