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Media Release |
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Water, Energy Prices and Regulations make Architectural Designed Homes Money Savers
Thursday, 22 July 2010 13:59
The sky rocketing costs of water and energy, which could triple in the next ten years, has turned clever sustainable architectural home designs into money savers for their owners, Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects said today.
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Timber screen providing filtered sunlight to outdoor living area |
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Edward Lukac, South Australian Archicentre spokesperson said, ”Australians are facing an unprecedented and relentless period of price rises in water and energy bills which has put the design of mass marketed housing such as ‘McMansions’ under scrutiny in relation to running costs.”
Mr Lukac said careful, clever sustainable design can substantially cut the running and maintenance costs of a family home through correct siting on the allotment, use of double glazing and the choice of materials and appliances all play an important role.
“With only 7% of housing designed by architects most home buyers and renovators lose the chance to save money through their housing design as they accept a standard plan on an allotment, no matter if the design actually suits the land or its orientation for passive solar energy.
“There is a misconception that architects are only used on the more expensive homes. However, the reality is that with smaller homes, townhouses and units becoming a greater part of the affordable market, sustainable designs and clever solutions are needed to maintain a lifestyle standard with much less space.”
Archicentre, with a network of some 800 architects across Australia, is finding that once people recognise they can access Archicentre’s advice reports to assist with design and then follow up with construction status reports to check their building is being constructed correctly, they are finding they can save money on tendering and thus avoid costly legal battles.
Archicentre, with a network of some 800 architects across Australia, is finding that once people recognise they can access Archicentre's advice reports to assist with design and then follow up with construction status reports to check their building is being constructed correctly, they are finding they can save money on tendering and thus avoid costly legal battles.
"The Green Home Design factors once built into a home or renovation will save the home owner money year after year. The soon to be introduced compulsory disclosure laws on environmental performance on all homes for sale will make clever sustainable homes even more valuable when they are sold.
"Architect designed homes can sell on average for 10% more than mass produced homes," Mr Lukac added.
Archicentre has a Guide to Sustainable Homes available for download at http://www.archicentre.com.au/pdf/Sustainablehomes309.pdf
Archicentre is conducting free Sustainability seminars at the ecolivingexpo - Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 August 2010
Venue: Goyder Pavilion, Adelaide Showground, Adelaide
Topics include: 11am daily Sustainable Homes - Construction choices; 12:30pm daily Sustainable Homes - Energy; 3pm daily Sustainable Homes - Water
For bookings call 1300 13 45 13
Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre Mobile: 0417 329 201