Designing a home for the Dongara climate
Orientation, shade, breezes and wind protection: passive design basics for the Mid West coast.
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Guides
Building your home
Building envelopes, builders, services and approvals.
What is a building envelope?
Every Hidden Valley lot has a building envelope of up to 4,000m². Here's what that means.
Read the guideModular homes on acreage: how they work
Building off-site can mean faster builds and fewer surprises. Here's how modular homes work on a rural lot.
Read the guideBuilding a shed first: the shed-first strategy
Lots of acreage owners start with a big shed. Here's why, and what to think about.
Read the guideWhat is 3-phase power and why does it matter?
Every Hidden Valley lot has 3-phase power. Here's what that means for your home and shed.
Read the guideBushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings explained
Building in a bushfire prone area means a BAL assessment. Here's what that involves.
Read the guideTown water plus rainwater: the best of both
Hidden Valley lots have town water. Many owners add rainwater tanks too.
Read the guideSolar and batteries on a 2.5 acre lot
Sunny days and big roofs make solar a natural fit. Here's what to think about.
Read the guide12 questions to ask a builder before you sign
Choosing a builder is a big decision. These questions help you compare.
Read the guideGetting building approval from the Shire of Irwin
An overview of how building approval works for your Hidden Valley home.
Read the guideChoosing materials for a coastal home
Salt, sun and wind are tough on buildings. Here's how to choose materials that last.
Read the guideWaterwise landscaping with native plants
Native and waterwise gardens suit the Mid West climate and the land around Hidden Valley.
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