In this climate clerestorey faces south, allowing full daylight inflow without direct sunlight or heat. The clerestorey also can contribute to ventilation and cooling of the home in summer Because clerestoreys can generate airflow, their use in bushfire prone areas must be considered carefully. As air flows around the building, upwind surfaces dam air to higher than atmospheric pressure. Downwind and sheltered areas contain air at atmospheric or lesser pressure South facing clerestorey is situated in a sheltered area relative to South Australia's prominent northern summer winds. The combination of sheltered area between high and low roof, the reducing air pressure over the sloping or curved roof results in air outflow from the building when clerestorey windows are opened.
Effective ventilation depends on replacement air being drawn from elsewhere around the building.
In summer the north winds are hot, dry and dusty, and direct ventilation is undesirable. The south downwind side of the home encompasses shaded air which can be cooler than ambient temperature as well as at dust free atmospheric pressure. This is suitable replacement air by opening south windows in concert with the clerestorey. The effectiveness of this action depends on opening a north window laterally in the home to encourage air throughflow.