SUNSHINE COAST, QLD – Rising power prices and increasing summer cooling demands are prompting Sunshine Coast homeowners to take a closer look at passive solar building design, as interest grows in homes that reduce reliance on air conditioning and lower long-term energy costs, according to Environmental Building Designs.
Passive solar design focuses on how a building is oriented, shaded, ventilated, and constructed to work with local climate conditions rather than against them. On the Sunshine Coast, where heat management and ventilation play a major role in comfort, these principles are becoming a priority rather than an optional extra.
Kaarlo Pesu, founder of Environmental Building Designs, said many homeowners are rethinking how their homes perform over time.
“People are feeling the impact of energy costs much more directly now,” Pesu said. “They’re asking how design decisions made early on can reduce cooling demand and make homes more comfortable without running air conditioning all day.”
According to Pesu, passive solar building design can significantly influence indoor temperatures by managing sun exposure, airflow, and thermal mass. When applied correctly, these measures can reduce heat build-up in summer while allowing natural warmth during cooler months.
“A lot of houses rely on mechanical systems to fix design problems,” he said. “Passive solar principles aim to avoid those problems in the first place.”
Environmental Building Designs reports that interest is strongest among owner-occupiers planning to stay in their homes long term, where energy efficiency and comfort are viewed as ongoing household costs rather than resale features. Clients are increasingly seeking designs that remain functional and affordable to run as energy prices continue to rise.
Reducing reliance on air conditioning is also a common objective. Pesu said homes designed for cross-ventilation, appropriate shading, and correct orientation often remain comfortable for longer periods without mechanical cooling.
“Air conditioning has its place,” he said. “But when a home is designed to suit the local climate, it doesn’t need to do all the work.”
The firm works with both residential and commercial clients to apply passive solar principles in a way that suits individual sites, budgets, and planning requirements. Early design decisions, Pesu said, are critical, as retrofitting passive solar performance after construction is often difficult and costly.
Established in 1993, Environmental Building Designs provides architectural and building design services across the Sunshine Coast, with a focus on sustainable and site-responsive outcomes. The practice reports continued demand for Passive Solar Building Design on the Sunshine Coast as homeowners seek practical ways to manage energy use while improving day-to-day comfort.
More information about passive solar design services is available at https://environmentalbuildingdesigns.com.au/.
About Environmental Building Designs
Environmental Building Designs is a Sunshine Coast–based architectural and building design practice providing residential and commercial design services with a strong focus on sustainable outcomes. Established in 1993, the firm works closely with clients to deliver practical, compliant designs that respond to site conditions, planning requirements, and long-term use.
Media Contact
Company Name: Environmental Building Designs
Contact Person: Kaarlo Pesu
Email: Send Email
Phone: +61 411 207 707
City: Sunshine Coast
State: QLD
Country: Australia
Website: https://environmentalbuildingdesigns.com.au