North Facing Backyard / South Facing Street
See all →Different orientation? See east backyard · south backyard · west backyard plans instead.
East Facing Backyard / West Facing Street
See all →Different orientation? See north backyard · south backyard · west backyard plans instead.
South Facing Backyard / North Facing Street
See all →Different orientation? See north backyard · east backyard · west backyard plans instead.
West Facing Backyard / East Facing Street
See all →Different orientation? See north backyard · east backyard · south backyard plans instead.
Passive Solar House Plans Australia
North is always up, like Google Maps. Every plan here is turned so north points up the page.
Browse by orientation to the street
Browse by orientation to the backyard
Passive solar house plans use the sun, not the air conditioner, to keep a home comfortable. Living areas face north so the low winter sun warms them for free, with eaves that shade out the high summer sun. Done well it is the cheapest way to a warm home in winter, a cool one in summer and lower energy bills all year, and it is the lowest cost path to meeting BASIX and the 7 star NatHERS standard. Browse energy efficient designs from Australia's major builders.
Every plan here is reviewed by an architect for genuine passive solar orientation, then matched to your block. Set your build width, depth and driveway side to see the passive solar plans that fit your site, even when north is not at the back.
This page lists 1,826 plans, from builders including Integrale Homes, Ausmar Homes, Firstyle Homes, Coral Homes, priced from $122k to $1.0M, from builders rated 2.2 to 5.0 on Google.
Architect reviewed for real Australian blocks
Dudils checks each approved plan for the direction its living areas need to face, the block envelope it fits, and whether the garage or driveway placement supports passive solar design. It is a shortlist for better conversations with your builder, designer or architect.
Read how Dudils reviews plansFree heating in winter
Summer: eaves block sun
Winter: lower angle lets sun in
In winter the low northern sun streams through north facing windows for free heat. In summer a roof overhang blocks the high sun. Good orientation cuts your energy bills with no mechanical systems.
Want the detail? The Australian Government's YourHome guide to orientation is the best free resource on getting it right.
Questions about passive solar plans
What makes these passive solar plans different?
Dudils lists plans that have been reviewed for north facing living areas, block fit and practical orientation, rather than simply repeating a builder catalogue category.
Does north need to be at the backyard?
No. A good plan can work whether north falls to the backyard, the street or either side, as long as the main living areas and glazing are arranged to collect northern light.
Should I still check this with my builder or designer?
Yes. Dudils helps you shortlist better oriented plans, but final siting, setbacks, window changes and energy compliance should be confirmed with your builder, designer or architect.