Designing Climate Smart Homes

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has made it clear: global emissions must peak by next year to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

However, the Global Carbon Budget suggests we are currently on track for 2.7 degrees of warming by 2100. It’s time to talk about homes that not only reduce their environmental impact but also defend against the increasing risks of climate change. Here are ten ways to design homes that are climate-resilient:

1. Rainwater overflow

With rainfall becoming more erratic, homes need robust systems for managing rainwater.

The National Construction Code stipulates that new home gutters should be designed to only overflow in a 1-in-20-year rain event, but with the likelihood of this drastically increasing, ensuring the gutter system has good overflow measures – rather than running back into eaves or roof space – is critical. Where possible, larger tank storage with good flush-out capabilities for long dry spells should also be considered.

2. Heatwaves

In southern states, energy-efficient homes rightly prioritise reducing winter heating load, since this is the bigger power demand, but in summer we should plan for resilience against extreme heatwaves.

Fixed and operable shading paired with deciduous planting offers controllable defence against the sun’s heat. Along with cross- and night-purge ventilation strategies, these design moves can reduce reliance on air conditioning, extend respite for longer into the season and allow occupants to stay comfortable even during a power outage.

Image: Gawthorne’s Hut / Cameron Anderson Architects

3. Hail

Damaging hail is no longer rare, making roof durability a key consideration. Opt for thicker roofing sheets – 0.48 Base Metal Thickness (BMT) over 0.42 BMT – and select clear shade material with hail risk in mind (double skin products being typically stronger than single).

In the context of potential hail damage, roof-mounted solar evacuated tube hot water systems are less attractive than super-efficient and more durable heat pump systems.

4. Wind

Severe wind events are becoming more frequent and intense, particularly in coastal and cyclone-prone areas. Increased risk of these events should be discussed with a structural engineer. Outside of cyclonic areas, plan the home with consideration of protection and storage of valuables, and ease of “battening down the hatches.”

5. Bushfire

Bushfire events since 2009 have led to the creation and updating of Australian Standard 3959:2018 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas, which is – in my opinion – good and practical. Just as our housing stock needs a “retrofit revolution,” we could do with ember-proofing all housing to a basic Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) 12.5 level, even if the site doesn’t have a BAL requirement.

On projects in bushfire-prone areas, reflect on whether building a level above the stipulated requirement may be sensible.

Image: Wind House / Pablo Larroulet + blaq arquitectos photography by Macarena Whittle

Image: Fish Creek House Bushfire Attack Level 29

6. Flood

With floods increasing in severity and frequency, homes near flood zones should exceed recommended elevation levels. Resources like the Queensland government’s Design Guidance for Flood Resilient Homes provide strategies for designing homes that minimise flood damage, including raising living spaces and using flood-resistant materials.

7. Smoke

Bushfire smoke is a significant health risk, and in 2020 we learned that it could be a reality for months at a time. A draught-proofed home can help maintain indoor air quality during smoke events. Using standard construction methodologies while paying attention to draught-proofing details can result in an air-leakage range of 4-6 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals.

At this point, a simple decentralised heat exchange pair can offer efficient air management alongside the opportunity to swap-in special electrostatic filters during a smoke event.

Image: Platypus Bend Flood House by Robinson Architects

8. Power surges

Storms and bushfires frequently disrupt power. By default, grid-connected solar panels and battery systems will not operate during a power outage, thus a specific solution to this must be requested and installed.

For rural homes, a generator offers a simpler, cost-effective alternative. While going off-grid might be tempting, staying connected to the grid with the ability to “feed in” is more communally sustainable.

9. Flexible living

“Where will your kids live?” I do wonder if this is a question that plagues my generation more than any generation in modern times. Multi-generational designs that accommodate ageing parents, grown children or changing needs over time not only future-proof housing stock, but make it more accessible, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.

Multi-generational homes also facilitate social connection – indispensable in times of extreme weather events.

Image: House with In-Law Suite by KLAR Architects

Image: Majamaja Wuorio Eco-Cabin / Littow Architectes

10. Uncertainty

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s to prepare for the unexpected. From home workspaces to clever storage solutions, our houses need to be adaptable and support us to be prepared.

Whatever the case, don’t let your need for resilient planning balloon your house size – clever design should enable you to build less while being more prepared at the same time.

Image: Prototype Industrialized Construction System / Ignacio Rojas Hirigoyen Arquitectos + The Andes House

It’s Time to Move Beyond Sustainability

Climate change demands that our homes go beyond sustainability to actively defend against environmental challenges.

By integrating design solutions that address extreme weather, resource scarcity and changing lifestyles, architects are in a unique position to offer homes that are not only resilient, but adaptive to a dynamic future. “Sustainable” has, until now, meant smaller and smarter – but I think it’s time we add “stronger” to the list.