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Brisbane
In order to formulate practical design strategies for Brisbane, we analysed 71 years of climate data from the Bureau of Meteorology using tools such as bioclimatic charts and Mahoney tables.
A summary of key climatic variables that should be considered for building construction in Brisbane follows. To view the complete guide for Brisbane, click on the PDF at the bottom of this page.
Air temperature
The daily maximum is above the comfort zone for most of the year whilst the diurnal minimum falls below the comfort zone for winter and spring, suggesting that a large amount of thermal mass, such as clay brick walls inside the house, will be of great benefit. This ensures night time "coolth" is stored for use during the day in summer and conversely, daytime warmth from the sun can be stored to offset the colder nights in winter. Walls and roofs should be well insulated to promote a stable temperature.
Heating and cooling degree-hours
This shows the sum of every hour, multiplied by the number of degrees, the outside temperature is above or below the comfort temperature. There is a long period where cooling is required to achieve thermal comfort. There is a short, more intense, period when heating is required. Use thermal mass on the floor for winter warmth; and thermal mass on the walls (and even the ceilings) for autumn, spring and particularly summer "coolth" storage.
Solar irradiation and sky condition
Summer solar irradiation is very high despite the large number of cloudy days. Ensure the north, east and west walls are well shaded to guarantee that solar irradiation does not strike the interior of the house. Orient the living areas to the north and east with large overhangs to protect from summer sun and allow winter sun gain into the daytime areas of the house. High levels of solar gain during the winter days can be stored in the thermal mass in the house.
Humidity
Humidity levels are above the comfort zone in the morning and afternoon during summer, autumn and spring. The summer afternoon humidity, coupled with the high air temperatures, can be alleviated by house designs with cross ventilation in living and sleeping areas to provide evaporative cooling.
Rainfall
Summer rain is more than adequate to provide water but the low rainfall in July, August and September suggests that the tank sizes should be increased to allow for storage of water for this period. House volumes can be calculated on the basis of 1.5 cubic metres of rain available per 10sqm for each month in summer and tank sizes should be doubled to allow for winter storage.
Wind
Diagrams show direction and strength of the wind at 6 hourly intervals for a typical day, for each season. Morning breezes are mostly from the south and south west, whilst afternoon breezes are from the east in summer and the west in winter. Houses can use evaporative cooling from the east/south east in the afternoon, and night-time cross and stack ventilation from the south.
All these openings should be tightly closed in winter.
Role of thermal mass
When clay bricks are integrated with sound design principles, this form of construction produces thermally comfortable properties - even in warm-temperate climates as the findings above demonstrate.
Related Information:
Read our research papers on Climate Design recently presented by Think Brick CEO, Linda Ginger at Congress and Industry Conferences
Climate Responsive Design Strategies
This paper presents climate studies of four different locations (Sydney, Bankstown, Camden and Penrith) within Sydney Metropolitan Region.
Understanding Climate for Energy Efficient or Sustainable Design – presented to Housing Congress 2008
Understanding climate is a pre-requisite for energy efficient or sustainable architecture. This paper provides vital information to optimize natural energies to create comfortable living conditions.
Full Paper_Housing congress.pdf (971 kb)
Thermal Mass Requirement for Building Envelope in Different Climatic Conditions – presented to IBMAC 2008
This study investigates the thermal mass requirement at three different places: Mackay, Brisbane and Amberley in Queensland, Australia.
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Climate Control
Based on decades of climate data, our interactive wizard helps you plan the most climate friendly building for your location.
