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Media Release |
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Home Buyers and Property Investors Burning Money
Wednesday, 18 August 2010 11:01
Louvres can direct the air flow towards the occupants of the room and provide cross ventilation. "A consistently well designed home respects the environment and enables you to live comfortably year round saving money whilst being a good investment." Archicentre is finding an increasing demand for environmental design reports as smart home buyers and renovators are moving to beat the rising energy costs either as part of the pre-purchase inspection or part of renovation planning. Mr Kell said the design process was an important first step in bringing together the range of design practices and material choices to maximise lifestyle comfort and energy savings. The major elements people need to consider include:
Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects said investors and home buyers could be adding thousands of dollars to their mortgage by purchasing poorly designed apartments or homes which are expensive to heat and cool.
Angus Kell, ACT & NSW State Manager for Archicentre said new legislation, which will make it mandatory to provide an energy rating available for prospective purchasers, will provide an extra incentive for people to consider environmental performance of their proposed home purchase.
"People undertaking renovations should also ensure that their designs and plans clearly maximised the potential environmental efficiency of the building.
Mr Kell said the key to year-round comfort and saving money is passive solar design. This is where the building design carefully combines materials, methods, building form and the sun's natural energy to help keep your house cool in summer and warm in winter.
Site Orientation
The first step in orientation is maximising the northern aspect, where exposure to the sun is best controlled. Eaves and pergolas can be precisely designed to block the summer sun, and still allow the desirable winter sunshine to penetrate.
North-side deciduous trees that shade the house during summer, allow the sun prime access once they have lost their leaves in winter. Reducing your exposure to the west will also minimise heat gain via the horizontal rays of the hot summer sun.
Verandahs are not nearly as useful to the west and east of a house, as a vertical screen or thick planting is the only way to reduce heat load from this direction.
Zoning
It is important to prioritise rooms based on access to views and solar penetration. An open-plan kitchen and living area, for example, should have pole position, while bedrooms or bathrooms require less daylight, as they are largely used for short periods of time, or at night. By zoning your home, unused areas can be closed off, allowing cooling and heating appliances to be designed for maximum efficiency and minimum use.
Materials and construction techniques
The energy-wise home requires a complex mix of well insulated, high thermal mass, intelligent glazing and ventilation, all arranged in a way that enhances comfort, anywhere in Australia.
Insulation is paramount to the energy-wise home experience. Lining the roof, walls and floor can reduce heat loss in winter and heat-gain in summer.
Materials with a high thermal mass, like stone, brick or rammed earth, take a long time to heat up and a long time to cool down. A concrete slab, with its high thermal mass, can reap huge benefits from prolonged exposure to the winter sun, radiating warmth at night, when it's needed most. Walls with a high thermal mass should be shaded to minimize a heat load in summer.
Glazing - Glass is a very poor insulator. In an energy efficient design think about size, location, glazing type and window coverings. Consider placing tight fitting pelmets over curtains and blinds to trap air and create a layer of insulation to reduce heat loss on winter nights.
Ventilation - Cross ventilation is an important design factor, and entails providing at least two carefully placed and treated openings in every room.
- Louvres can direct the air flow towards the occupant of the room.
- High level windows can allow unpleasant hot air to escape, resulting in the drawing in of cool air.
- Reversible ceiling fans are great in summer and winter. In winter they push the warmed air down to where you are sitting.
- Door or window seals to prevent cold air from whistling under your windows and doors.
Archicentre has a Guide to Energy-wise Living available for download at http://www.archicentre.com.au/energywise.pdf
Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Archicentre (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201