Building Warm Homes
How to Build a Warm, Energy-Efficient Home for Canberra Winters
Canberra is known for its crisp winters. While the scenery is beautiful, the cold can creep into homes that aren’t designed with thermal comfort in mind. If you're considering building a new home in Canberra, or knocking down an older house to start fresh, it's the perfect opportunity to design a space that stays naturally warm and energy efficient.
At Kolak Living, we specialise in knock down rebuilds, helping homeowners create custom homes that are not only beautiful but built for Canberra’s unique climate.
Why Warmth Matters in Canberra
With average winter temperatures often dropping to single digits, your home needs to do more than just look good – it should be able to retain heat efficiently. Many older Canberra homes lack modern insulation, have poorly sealed windows, and were not designed with passive solar principles. That means higher energy bills and less comfort.
5 Key Considerations When Building a Warm Home in Canberra
1. Orientation is Everything
One of the most effective ways to keep your home warm is to position it correctly. North-facing living areas allow you to take full advantage of the winter sun. This passive solar heating can significantly reduce your reliance on artificial heating.
2. Insulation That Goes Beyond the Basics
A well-insulated home traps warmth where it belongs – inside. Quality insulation in the roof, walls, and under the floor is essential. Don’t forget double-glazing your windows too. At Kolak Living, we work with you to choose materials that boost your home's energy efficiency from the ground up.
3. Sealing & Airtightness
Even the smallest draught can have a big impact in winter. Proper sealing around windows, doors, and roof joints keeps warm air in and cold air out. We ensure every Kolak home is built with precision to minimise heat loss.
4. Efficient Heating Solutions
While a well-designed home will reduce the need for heating, you’ll still want an efficient system for the coldest days. Hydronic heating, reverse-cycle systems, and zoning controls can keep your home warm without blowing out your power bill.
5. Material Choices Matter
Thermal mass materials like concrete, brick, or stone can absorb heat during the day and release it at night. We integrate smart design with material selection to optimise comfort in every season.
Why Choose a Knock Down Rebuild?
If your existing home in Canberra isn’t cutting it during winter, a knock down rebuild gives you the opportunity to start fresh – with a home designed for the future. At Kolak Living, we help you make the most of your block’s orientation, apply energy-efficient design principles, and create a modern home that stays naturally warm in winter and cool in summer.
Our process is streamlined, and we handle everything – from demolition to handover – ensuring your new home not only looks great, but feels great all year round.
Warmth, comfort, and quality – that's what we build at Kolak Living.
Ready to transform your cold Canberra home into a cosy retreat? Contact us today to learn more about our knockdown rebuild process.
ABOUT
At Kolak Living, we specialise in building custom homes that are tailored to your unique vision. Based in Canberra, we collaborate closely with leading architects and interior designers to create modern, architectural homes that match your lifestyle and preferences.
