The passing of the Carbon Pricing through Federal Parliament will see the future cost of energy become an accelerating market force driving a new generation of green homes and renovations throughout Australia, Archicentre said today. 

Archicentre General Manager David Hallett said the need for home owners to reduce the energy consumption of their homes is also likely to see an increase in architect designed homes and renovations to maximise savings and improve lifestyle environments.

"Good environmental design that starts at the planning stage is the foundation of creating a home which is comfortable to live in and protects home owners against increasing energy and water costs."

"Good housing design can also create a valuable asset when the home is sold with sustainable homes likely to become increasingly attractive to the market. This is one of the major reasons many people who wish to develop a sustainable concept for their new home or renovation before the expense of drawing up final plans use the Archicentre Design Concept service."

Mr Hallett said at this early stage planning for better use of materials in construction, improved orientation of buildings to maximise solar energy and lessening the use of air conditioners and heaters in homes can make a major impact on energy costs and property value.

"We also expect to see an increasing return to the use of the traditional eave in future housing design. Historically the eave or verandah was a fundamental part of Australian homes, however, in the last decade its removal for the sake of fashion and cost has seen the building of thousands of homes poorly equipped to cope with climate change demands such as increasing temperatures and storms."

"The use of eaves in homes has a major impact on a property's sustainability by increasing water harvesting potential, providing valuable shade over windows and walls, keeping homes cooler in summer and conserving power. Eaves also offer the added protection to the interior of the home from flooding that can result from concealed gutters," Mr Hallett said.