Location and Climate

The house is located on the Gold Coast, where the climate is warm and temperate. Humid conditions and heavy rains can occur in the summer. The prevailing winds are easterly onshore breezes in the morning, and westerly offshore breezes in the evening. The site is also subject to cold Westerlies in the winter. Large objects in the vicinity of the house, such as trees and two storeyed houses, redirect the wind, so that the house is predominantly subject to winds from the SE and NE. A lane along the East side of the site facilitates airflow along this side of the house.

Climate information for South East Queensland

The site is in a relatively high-density beachside suburb, and was clear at purchase (except for two trees, which have been retained). Services available at the site were water, stormwater, sewerage, electricity and telephone connections. Three adjoining sites are occupied by double storeyed, single dwelling buildings, and this is the dominant building form in the neighbourhood.

The sandy site was relatively flat at the time of purchase and so few earthworks were required, though excavations were made to accommodate the grey water and rainwater storage tanks.