Location and Climate

The McCook Home is located in a relatively new housing estate in Jerrabomberra, NSW, just outside the ACT.  The land was predominantly cleared before building commenced with a few mature trees remaining.  The block is roughly rectangular in shape with the long side facing north and covering some 2400m².

There is a decided slope on the block that is located on the northern face of a ridge.  The house is located on the upper half of the block with a total fall of 1400mm across the house width of 8 meters.  Below the house the block slopes away to a natural gully and stormwater collection pond.  The local topography protects the house from cold southerly winds, but not from prevailing winds that are predominantly northwesterly.

The house is located in a cool temperate inland zone that can experience overnight winter lows of –10 degrees C and summer day maximums of around 40 degrees C.  On most days there is a high diurnal temperature fluctuation, especially in winter where clear skies provide ample solar radiation during the day and rapid heat loss at night.  Total heating degree days for the region are 2186 (to a base of 18 degrees C), compared to Sydney at 642.  Approximately 50 frosts are experienced each year.