Building at The Cape: What to Consider and Next Steps
You may have read about the recent RBA rate cut, or even noticed house prices starting to climb again. If you’re considering purchasing a block of land at The Cape and building your dream home, there are several factors to keep in mind to ensure a successful, sustainable, and energy-efficient project. Based on insights from Jess Cuman of Adapt Design and Tony O’Connell of TS Constructions, here are the key things to consider, along with practical tips to guide you through the process.
1. Selecting the right block of land
The first decision you’ll face is choosing the right block of land, which is crucial for the success of your build. At The Cape, blocks are thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind, but not every block will be suitable for every house design.
What to consider:
- Orientation: Look for a block that allows your living spaces to be oriented towards the north to maximise natural sunlight and passive solar heating. This will help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
As Jess notes, “Orientation is the number one thing we look at for passive solar design.”
- Block size and shape: Different designs work better on different-shaped blocks. For example, narrow or wide blocks may influence your design choices.
- Shelter from winds: Consider how the block is exposed to coastal winds, especially the strong southwestern winds typical of the area.
Tony advises looking for opportunities to create sheltered outdoor areas by positioning the house strategically.
2. Designing for energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the primary focuses at The Cape. Homes here consistently exceed the state minimum of a 7.5-star energy rating, with many homes achieving ratings above 8 stars.
Key factors to keep in mind:
- Window placement: Windows are essential for natural light and ventilation, but they can also be a major source of heat loss. Jess and Tony both emphasise balancing window size with energy efficiency.
“Floor-to-ceiling windows look amazing but can reduce energy efficiency, especially if they’re not placed strategically,” Jess explains. You don’t need large windows everywhere—small adjustments in window placement can improve energy performance without sacrificing light or views.
- Cross-ventilation: Design your home to allow for cross-ventilation, which naturally cools the home in summer. This is achieved by placing windows on both the northern and southern sides of the home.
- Insulation and materials: Choosing the right materials is crucial for energy efficiency. Opt for high-performance windows, efficient insulation, and low-maintenance materials that will last in the coastal environment – this is something that your designer and builder will be able to help with and provide recommendations.
3. Custom design flexibility
While The Cape has design guidelines to ensure sustainability and energy efficiency, there is plenty of flexibility when it comes to designing a home that fits your lifestyle.
Questions to ask yourself:
- How will you use the house? Think about how your family will use the space. Do you need multiple living areas, a large kitchen, or extra outdoor space?
- What’s on your wishlist? It’s helpful to have a wishlist when starting your design, whether it’s a kids entertainment room, a home office or an outdoor entertaining area. Jess notes that having a wishlist can help the designer create multifunctional spaces that meet all your needs.
- Material preferences: Do you prefer materials that require little to no maintenance, like steel or composite cladding? Or are you happy to invest time into maintaining timber finishes that will weather naturally?
Tony emphasises that “materials like timber cladding look great initially but depending on the type may require upkeep, especially in coastal environments.”
4. Collaboration: Builders and Designers Working Together
One of the unique aspects of building at The Cape is the flexibility to engage with The Cape’s preferred builders or designers first, depending on your preferences. This means you can work with a builder initially and then bring in the designer later, or vice versa, allowing for greater personalisation and alignment with your vision.
Additionally, The Cape fosters a spirit of “coopetition,” where builders and designers share knowledge and experiences to ensure all homeowners benefit from the latest best practices. This collaborative approach helps every home achieve the highest standards of sustainability and energy efficiency, while also ensuring that each design is tailored to the homeowner’s needs.
Designing with a balanced approach
Building at The Cape is an exciting opportunity to create a custom home that’s not only sustainable but also perfectly tailored to your lifestyle. To get the most out of your block and design, work closely with designers and builders early in the process. This allows you to take full advantage of their expertise in energy efficiency, design flexibility, and budget management.
By thinking about how you’ll use the home, balancing aesthetics with energy efficiency, and choosing the right materials, you’ll be well on your way to building a beautiful, sustainable home at The Cape.
View detailed design guidelines on building at The Cape.
Explore pre-approved home designs for inspiration.
Contact The Cape preferred builders.
