Passive House is a building standard that focuses on creating highly energy-efficient buildings that use very little energy for heating and cooling. This standard is gaining popularity around the world, and is particularly relevant in Australia, where energy prices are high and the climate can be harsh. In this blog post, we will look at how to select a site to build a new Passive House standard in suburban Perth, with a focus on walkability, site orientation and cost of the lot so as not to overcapitalise.
Walkability
One of the key factors to consider when selecting a site for a Passive House is walkability. Walkability refers to the ease with which residents can walk to local amenities, such as shops, schools, and parks. A site that is highly walkable will be more attractive to potential residents and will also be more sustainable, as residents will be less likely to rely on cars for transportation.
When selecting a site for a Passive House in suburban Perth, it is important to consider the availability of public transport and the proximity of local amenities. Sites that are located near public transport, such as train or bus stops, will be more walkable, as residents will have easy access to public transport for longer journeys. Additionally, sites that are located near local amenities, such as shops, cafes, and parks, will be more walkable, as residents will be able to easily walk to these locations. As a general rule, maximum 400 metre distance to amenities and public transport is most desirable because this translates to a 5min walk and is viable for most people to walk rather than driving. 800 metre distances are still considered within a walkable catchment becuase this is still considered a 10 minute walk.
Site Orientation
Site orientation is another important factor to consider when selecting a site for a Passive House. The orientation of a site refers to the direction that the building will face in relation to the sun. Ideally, a Passive House should be oriented so that it can take advantage of the sun's natural warmth in the winter, while avoiding excessive heat gain in the summer.
Sites that are oriented towards the north will be more desirable, as they will receive more natural light and warmth in the winter, while avoiding excessive heat gain in the summer. Additionally, sites that are shaded from the west and east will also be more desirable, as they will receive less direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.
land cost
The cost of the lot is another important factor to consider when selecting a site for a Passive House. It is important to balance the cost of the lot with the cost of the building itself, in order to avoid overcapitalisation. Overcapitalisation occurs when the cost of the land and construction exceeds the market value of the property, which can make it difficult to finance a construction loan and sell the property for its true value.
When selecting a site for a Passive House in suburban Perth, it is important to consider the cost of the lot in relation to the cost of the building. Sites that are located in more expensive areas may be more desirable, as they will be more walkable and have better site orientation. However, it is important to ensure that the cost of the lot does not exceed the budget for the building itself, in order to avoid overcapitalisation.
OVERSHADOWING
It is best to select the block of land that is not contrained by overshadowing from neighbours or risk overshadowing your neigbours with your new home. Narrow blocks with an east / west orientation are highly constrained in this way. It is also important to consider future development. The old single storey house to the north may be demolished for a 2 storey MacMansion in a few years time, or that vacant lot across the road might be zoned for 8 storey apartments.
SLOPE
Whilst we can (and do) design and build on all kinds of lots, if possible it is always preferable to avoid a project that requires extensive earthworks and retaining walls unless it is in a premium area and offers potential for views or additional below ground construction.
Earthworks and retaining walls can add significant time and cost to a project. We often find that these costs can negatively impact the client’s hopes for the house, and in some cases the project may not proceed as a result.
Selecting a site to build a new Passive House standard in suburban Perth requires careful consideration of a range of factors, including walkability, site orientation and cost of the lot. By selecting a site that is highly walkable, well-oriented towards the sun, and reasonably priced, it is possible to create a highly energy-efficient building that is both sustainable and affordable.
If you are looking to purchase a small block please read this article.