Energy Wise Green Living

Being energy wise can save you money, let you live comfortably all-year-round and, best of all, respects our environment.

There are three factors to consider if you want to live in a comfortable home: the seasons, the surrounding environment and the local climate.

The key to year-round comfort is passive solar energy design. This is where a highly trained architect carefully combines materials, construction methods, building form and the sun’s natural energy to help keep your house cool in summer and warm in winter.

To achieve energy wise living, your Archicentre Accredited Architect will consider: climatic conditions, prevailing local conditions, site orientation, the zoning or location of the rooms in your home, materials and construction techniques.

Important environmental factors: Climate, Orientation and Local Conditions.

Climatic Response
Australia has three primary climates. These are: hot and humid, hot and dry and temperate. The climate plays a central role in housing style and selection of building materials, as what works well in one climate may not in another.

Local Conditions
Natural features of the surrounding suburb or region also impact on the site.  There are critical factors which are intrinsic to the form the building will eventually take, such as the slope of the land, any existing trees, nearby waterways, prevailing breezes, views, etc.

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 yet still allow the desirable winter sunshine to penetrate.

For example, north-side deciduous trees that shade the house during summer can 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. Verandas are not nearly as useful to the west and east of a house. A vertical screen or thick planting is the best way to reduce heat load from these directions.

Some sites or existing homes aren’t blessed with a pleasant, north facing aspect. Fortunately your Archicentre Accredited Architect has the skills to design your home or renovation for maximum solar benefit regardless of the site aspect.

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 (eg. minimum use). 

Important materials and construction techniques for energy wise living.

The energy wise home requires a complex mix of areas that are variously well insulated, have high thermal mass, intelligent glazing and ventilation, all arranged in a way that enhances comfort, anywhere in Australia.

Insulation
Insulation for the home is paramount to having an energy wise home experience. Lining the roof, walls and floor can reduce heat loss in winter and heat-gain in summer. Consult an architect about the requirements for really effective home insulation.

Materials
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, and saving energy. Walls with a high thermal mass should be shaded to minimise heat load in summer.

Glass
Single sheet glass is a very poor insulator. An energy efficient design considers size, location, glazing type and window coverings. Other important factors include: locating windows away from the western sun and in some areas, the eastern sun, placing tight fitting pelmets over curtains and blinds to trap air and create a layer of insulation to reduce heat loss on winter nights, reducing heat load and glare with specialised glass treatments.

Cross Ventilation
Cross Ventilation is an important design factor, and entails providing at least two carefully placed and treated openings in every room.

Louvres
Louvres can be very helpful as they can direct the airflow 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 and in summer draw it away.

Door & Window Seals
Door and window seals are important to prevent cold air from whistling under your windows and doors. Energy wise design is not an add-on feature. These principles come naturally for an Archicentre Accredited Architect, developed from years of training and expertise. Simple design techniques can help you achieve a home that is comfortable year round, use minimal energy and provide a quality lifestyle no matter where you live - at no extra cost.

Need more information? Visit our Sustainable Homes page for plenty of quick tips and advice.

Are you interested in making your existing or new home energy wise? Simply call us on 1300 134 513 or Contact Us.