22/07/2026
☀️ Country Steel Home Progress –
Making the Most of the Winter Sun
What a beautiful Riverland morning for the boys pouring the concrete paths around our new **Country Steel Home** in Monash.
This home is getting **exposed aggregate concrete**, which will be acid washed and sealed in a few weeks. I think it's going to look absolutely fantastic.
With our **Open Day** not too far away, I was keen to have the paths completed beforehand so visitors can see the finished exposed concrete as well as the home itself. Once it's acid washed and sealed, it should really complement the overall look of the house.
One thing these photos really highlight is the advantage of a **north-facing home**.
It's something many people don't think about—or simply don't have the opportunity to choose depending on the orientation of their block—but when you can, it makes a huge difference.
Notice how the **winter sun streams through the large north-facing windows**, reaching right through the centre of the home. Those natural sun rays help warm the concrete floor and the internal living areas, reducing the need for artificial heating during the colder months.
The secret is pairing this with a **properly designed verandah**.
☀️ **In winter**, the sun sits much lower in the sky, allowing sunlight to reach deep inside the home and naturally warm it.
🌿 **In summer**, the sun is much higher overhead, so the verandah shades the windows and keeps those same rooms cooler.
It's a simple concept known as **passive solar design**, but when combined with good insulation, quality windows and thoughtful planning, it can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs while making the home much more comfortable to live in.
There's still plenty to do before the big day, but it's exciting to see everything starting to come together. I can't wait to open the doors and show everyone what these **Country Steel Homes** are all about. Stay tuned—the Open Day details will be announced soon!
