Research Topic: “Features”

Verandas: Verandas are a commodity in North

Queensland, with the classic “Queenslander”
having extensive deep shading external
verandas on two, three or four sides of the
house which consists of timber decking and
railing (which will be made of recycled timber in
my house). These protected spaces provide a
refuge from Queensland’s extreme summer sun
and rain deluges, while also functioning as clever
breeze scoops to direct cooling natural
ventilation through the house. Through the use
of verandas, you can cut up to 40% off your
cooling bills by preventing the sun’s heat from
penetrating your house. Though, verandas can limit visibility in some circumstances, though it is rare that this
is the case. Overall, verandas are proven to have many benefits and barely any disadvantages, meaning they
are going to be included in my design.
Roof Shape: The three main shapes of typical house roofs are either a gable, skillion or hip. These three types
are also typical in a North Queensland environment. Such roofs provide various advantages and
disadvantages, below is a comparison.

Roof Shape Gable Skillion Hip

PMI
Positives  Simple design  One advantage of  A hip roof is very
makes it easy to skillion roofs is that stable and strong
construct and they are significantly  It is an excellent
cheaper than most cheaper than roofs roof to use in high
alternatives (hip with multiple slopes wind areas thanks
roof)  Skillion roofs also to its sloppy and
 More space and circumvent the stable design
ventilation drainage problems  It provides an
underneath a gable that plague standard additional attic or
compared to a hip flat roofs. Due to living space for
 Gable roof their steeper pitch, the vaulted
structures easily skillion roofs enable ceilings
shed water and water to drain off  Has the ability to
provide excellent effectively. install solar panels

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 water drainage and  Skillion roofs also well due to its
few leaks save consumers gradual slope
 Gable roofs also money by providing  It provides an
accommodate good water drainage aesthetically
most roofing without the need for pleasing look from
materials, making it additional materials all sides
easier to source  Skillion roofs are also
and create minimalistic and
 Allows for some modern
installation of solar  Also provides easier
panels installation of solar
panels
Negatives  Prone to wind  Lack of ventilation  Its design makes
damage due to and loft area this roof more
roof pitch  Sensitive to winds, complicated to
 Wind can lift off though is build
roof if overhang is accompanied by  Lack of
too wide another roof type maintenance can
then its resistance is result in leaks
increased
Improvements  Stronger  Improved holding  Ensuring good
connections and reinforcements installation is
reinforcements of would lessen the imperative
the roof would chance of wind  Simpler methods
lessen the chance damage or even roof to build this roof
of wind damage or loss would improve it
even roof loss

Outdoor Showers: Due to the primary fact that my block is situated near the beach, when coming back from
a day at the beach, and outdoor shower provides a quick rinse-off before entering the house. A quick rinse-
off can wash off salt and sand from hair and eyes, which is better for the swimmer. Overall, an outdoor shower
is a personal choice that has no major benefits or disadvantages, rather it simply suits the lifestyle of a resident
living in North Queensland.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queenslander_(architecture)

https://www.google.com/search?q=stumps+queensland+house&safe=active&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-
GBAU724AU724&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi8q-Hqq-HjAhUq73MBHbRxAToQ_AUIESgB&biw=1368&bih=841#imgrc=-
0K1t_sNd5nDYM:

http://theconversation.com/sublime-design-the-queenslander-27225

https://www.dragonroofing.com.au/pros-and-cons-different-roof-types/

https://www.google.com/search?q=outdoor+shower&safe=active&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-
GBAU724AU724&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiAzOKmsOHjAhUM6nMBHWUSBGcQ_AUIESgB&biw=1368&bih=841#imgrc=3ll
XjoFGvJO1AM:

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/pros-and-cons-gable-roofing.htm

https://colwesternsheds.com.au/the-advantages-of-skillion-roofs-sheds/

https://roparoofing.com/asphalt-shingles-installation/skillion-roof-advantages-and-disadvantages/

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Summary – Use in my Project:
The features researched above are going to be included in my design, and they perfectly fit a Queensland
environment. I will be placing a veranda around the entirety of my house, due to the harsh weather and
climate that is present in North Queensland. Underneath one of the front corners of the veranda, there will
be the outdoor shower, which will be close to the bedroom and entry of the house. This outdoor shower will
be situated right next to the sliding door entry into the bedroom, and will be evident in the floor plan. My
veranda will probably be between 1.5 and 2.5 metres, with the widest on the Northern side of the house. In
relation to my roof shape, I have decided to use two types, the gable and skillion roof. The skillion roof will be
over my bedroom, with a window on the higher side to allow for light and air flow, while the gable roof will
be above the dining and living areas. The benefits of the gable roof such as the ventilation opportunities,
height and cheapness means it is a perfect option. Overall, the roof shape was imperative to research while
the other information researched is more of a personal choice, though the veranda and outdoor shower will
greatly improve the design and function of my house.

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