Bushmead Road, Hazelmere WA

Bushmead Road, Hazelmere: An Experimental Project in Solar Passive Design

Marco Klous

Our project on Bushmead Road in Hazelmere was an exciting opportunity to explore and test solar passive design principles. With a commitment to sustainable living and energy efficiency, we set out to create a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home that would showcase innovative, climate-responsive architecture. The result? A 9-star energy-rated home that brings in an abundance of natural light, utilizes thermal mass effectively and employs automated technology for enhanced comfort and efficiency.

This home is oriented to the north, allowing the living areas to capture maximum sunlight throughout the day. Large sliding doors and high-lite windows let the sunlight flood in, naturally warming the interiors and illuminating the home. The tiled floors and internal brick walls serve as thermal masses, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it as the temperature drops, creating a comfortable environment with minimal reliance on heating or cooling.

One of the standout features of this Hazelmere home is the automated high-lite windows installed above the sliding doors and entryway. We developed custom software that controls these windows based on real-time indoor and outdoor temperatures. When the indoor temperature rises, the high-lite windows open automatically to release warm air, promoting natural ventilation. This automation allows the home to regulate its temperature independently, creating an intelligent, responsive living environment that adapts to changing conditions.

Cross ventilation is a key aspect of this design, allowing for natural airflow throughout the home. The strategic placement of windows and doors, combined with the automated high-lite windows, creates efficient air movement that keeps the home cool in the warmer months without the need for air conditioning. This design enhances comfort and reduces energy consumption, making the home both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

The Bushmead Road project has been a successful experiment in applying solar passive principles with modern technology. Achieving a 9-star energy rating, this home exemplifies how thoughtful orientation, thermal mass, and smart automation can come together to create a comfortable and sustainable living space. Through these innovations, we’ve built a home that performs exceptionally well in all seasons, setting a new standard for energy-efficient residential design in Hazelmere.