Building Layout & Design: Passive Solar Design: Ventilation.

Ventilation is required to provide the following:

1. Fresh air.

2. Heat removal by air exchange.

3. Condensation reduction in the bathroom, kitchen and other areas with high humidity.

Airflow, in and out, should be uninterrupted by walls and furnishings. Cool Queenslander style houses are raised on stumps and surrounded by shaded verandas. A timber floor will aid room air to move, aiding in the rapid escape of any heat.

A house with high cathedral ceilings will have the heat stratifying in the ceiling pitch, the heat is released too high up the walls to be of comfort to the occupants in winter. However, this design works well in hot climates, as vents in the pitch of the ceiling will allow hot air out and encourage air movement through the house. Warm climates require ventilation for cooling; therefore orientating the house towards the prevailing breeze direction is important.

Undesirable ventilation can occur through construction cracks - especially around windows, doors and access points for services. Detailing of these will improve the thermal performance of the house.

The Newton House is orientated to catch the predominant winds from the south. Clerestory vents in the pitch of the north wall are designed to open in summer letting excess heat out and aiding in circulation of air. They will be closed in winter to stop the air movement.