Your Partner in Passive Solar Design
MK Building Solutions is the premier home builder specialising in passive solar design and passive solar homes in Perth. We design and construct one- or two-storey homes that achieve up to a 10-star energy rating, setting the building standards for sustainable living.
Welcome to the Leading Passive Solar Home Builder in Perth
At MK Building Solutions, we are known for the construction of energy-efficient homes. The homes that we build have a low energy consumption and thereby fit the ideal of sustainable living. Our passive solar homes combine cutting-edge solar technology with modern construction methods and high-quality building materials. Each home we design and build has a unique character, enabling the desired lifestyle of its occupants. This leads to a comfortable indoor temperature all year round throughout all rooms in your house.
The Core of Passive Solar Design in Perth
Harnessing the Sun
Perth’s bright summers and mild winters create an ideal climate for passive solar design. When designing a passive solar house, we make sure your home has maximum sunlight during winter to capture and retain solar energy, reducing the need for additional heating. In summer, shade and natural ventilation keep your house cooler, minimising the need for air conditioning. This significantly reduces the power required for heating and cooling. It is a clever construction method that works well in Australia, utilising the northern aspect of your home's envelope. It is also more affordable than other building methods that achieve high energy efficiency.
Key Features of Our Passive Solar Design
Our passive solar homes are designed with the following solar principles in mind to ensure optimal energy efficiency and comfort. Whatever the desired energy rating for your house - we are one of the few builders to design and build up to 10-star energy rating (NatHers), the maximum achievable. This includes 10-star double-storey homes.
A simplified overview of the main elements of Passive Solar Design with MK Building Soltutions:
Minimum 8-Star Energy Rating
Ensuring top-tier energy efficiency.
North-facing Site Orientation
With the majority of rooms north-facing we can utilise solar access to the home using natural sunlight in winter to warm the home, while avoiding direct sunlight as much as possible in summer with shading devices, overhang and eaves. High ceilings will ensure natural light in your home whatever the season.
Thermal Mass Materials
One of the important ways to create a stable indoor temperature year-round is to allow thermal mass materials such as a concrete floor and brick walls to gain solar heat gain in winter. This is passive heating at its best, creating heat flow in the building. In summer these materials are thermal bridges that cool the house, as the Perth ground and earth temperature is relatively stable between seasons.
Double Glazing
Double glazing works well because the gap between two glass panes functions as insulation. In most houses, the windows are a source of solar heat gain and thermal bridges that can impact the indoor climate significantly. Double glazing, especially when used in combination with modern uPVC frames, are one of the best options to negate this effect.
Appropriate insulation
Having the appropriate levels of insulation in walls, ceilings, roofs, and floors increases the indoor comfort, and keeps the heat out in summer and the cold out in winter.
Ventilation and orientation
In Perth we have this wonderful wind, named the Freo Doctor. One of the wonderful ways passive solar homes stay cool in summer is by allowing natural ventilation cool down the homes in the afternoon and evening. Other ways ventilation isincreased is through the design and ceiling fans in all rooms and areas.
High-Efficiency Solar Panels and Solar Heating
We can help you switch to 100% renewable energy for family homes through solar power and battery storage. Heat pumps are highly efficient machines to generate your warm water needs. Induction cooking is a popular means to cook, replacing the traditional gas stove.
The exact specifications for your house depend on the level of desired energy efficiency. For example, not all Passive Solar Homes need double glazing. In some situations, we can achieve high energy efficiency using single glazing in windows. Similar caveats apply to the level of insulation required. This will be informed by the passive solar design of your home, and your design brief.
The Benefits of Passive Solar Buildings
The average home emits roughly 7 tonnes of greenhouse gas annually. Passive solar homes significantly reduce this figure, enhancing sustainability and reducing your carbon footprint. Passive solar design lowers energy costs and increases the market value of your home, making it a wise investment. With MK Building Solutions, you get a future-proofed home that excels in energy efficiency even in a world with a changing climate.
Your Future-Ready Passive Solar Design House Awaits
Partner with MK Building Solutions to step into a home designed for sustainable living. Embrace passive solar design to live in a home with a comfortable environment year-round. Contact us today to learn how we have helped countless clients before you, and how we can help you achieve your dream of owning a passive solar home in Perth, Australia.
Why Choose MK Building Solutions?
Expertise in Passive Solar Build Design and Construction: Tailored to Perth’s climate.
Year-Round Thermal Comfort: Ensuring optimal living conditions.
Commitment to Sustainable Living: Reducing environmental impact.
Build a Passive Solar Home That Exceeds Your Expectations
Dive into the world of passive solar homes with MK Building Solutions. Our team’s expertise in passive solar design principles ensures homes that guarantee cost savings and a commitment to a greener environment. Whether working with an existing plan or a bespoke design, our promise remains the same: unmatched comfort, cost savings, and a reduced carbon footprint.
FAQs & Articles on Passive Solar Design
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Orientation, thermal mass, insulation, window placement, and shading.
Passive solar design utilises the orientation of a building towards the sun, to inform the design. In summer, the sun in Perth is directly overhead at midday, and in winter it shines in an angle towards the northern facade of home. The elements of thermal mass, insulation, window placement, and shading take advantage of this seasonal pattern. In winter, solar heat is collected and distributed while in summer solar heat doesn’t enter the house directly, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort in homes.
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Passive solar houses are typically designed and built rectangular, with the longer sides facing north.
This orientation maximises solar gain through the northern windows and the distribution of solar heat through thermal mass during winter. Shading and overhangs minimise the solar heat and direct sunlight into the house during summer, making it easier to manage temperature and sunlight throughout the year.
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Passive solar design refers to the use of the sun's energy for the heating and cooling of living spaces without the use of active mechanical systems.
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Initial planning and construction costs and effectiveness depend on site and climate.
The main disadvantage of passive solar design can be the initial planning and construction costs, which may be higher due to the need for specialised materials and considerations such as window placement, thermal mass, and insulation. Additionally, effectiveness can be limited by the building site, orientation, and local climate, requiring careful planning and design to achieve optimal results. -
Passive houses focus on ultra-low energy through superinsulation and airtightness, while passive solar design leverages the sun’s energy.
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Up to 10 stars, with recent achievements in double-storey homes.
Start Your Dream Project
Reserve your exclusive consultation with MK Building Solutions now. We prioritize quality and personalized attention, limiting our intake to ensure each project receives the care and precision it deserves. Let’s bring your dream project to life!
Contact us to support you in your journey toward owning a passive solar home in Perth.
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