Property Investors have been warned to not overlook the environmental efficiency in any home or apartment they are purchasing that could save them thousands of dollars.
Some investors are literally burning money by purchasing poorly designed apartments or homes which are expensive to heat and cool, and also could require extensive retro-fitting to be healthy and environmentally sound.
With rising energy prices and the fact it is a renters’ market, in future energy-wise apartments will provide a marketing edge.
People undertaking renovations should ensure that their designs and plans clearly maximise the potential environmental efficiency of buildings. A consistent and well designed home respects the environment and enables you to live comfortably year round saving money whilst being a good investment.
The key to year-round comfort 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.
With rising energy prices and the need to conserve water, governments are increasingly looking to extend the environmental efficiency and performance of homes.
Archicentre is finding an increasing demand for environmental design reports and has released a free brochure on its website which details environmental efficiency guidelines.
To achieve Energy Wise living, people need to consider:
* climatic conditions
* prevailing local conditions
* site orientation
* the zoning or location of the rooms in your home
* materials and construction techniques
Climatic Conditions
Australia has three primary climates. These are:
* Hot and humid
* Hot and dry
* Temperate
The climate plays a central role in housing style and selection of building materials.
Local Conditions
Natural features of the surrounding suburb or region also impact on the
site. These factors could be:
* slope
* existing trees
* nearby waterways
* prevailing breezes
* views
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, and cooling and heating appliances can be designed for maximum efficiency (ie 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.
*David Hallett is State Manager of Archicentre Victoria
