Focus on home design

The introduction of the carbon tax combined with rising energy and water prices will put a hip pocket focus on new housing design and renovation, according to Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects. The issues will see home owners facing household running cost increases in the next few months which will continue to rise and to generate demand by consumers for green issues to be addressed through innovative design and construction. ‘‘People buying new homes and those undertaking renovations have a major opportunity to cut their future energy and water costs by running the ‘green ruler of sustainability across their future home or renovation,’’ Archicentre’s Edward Lukac said. ‘‘An accurate assessment of the sustainability of an existing home also provides the purchaser with an indication of future energy and water costs and an opportunity to get an understanding of what it would cost to improve its sustainability. ‘‘Buying a lemon these days not only refers to purchasing a property with structural faults but also one with poor environmental credentials.’’ Mr Lukac said, due to consumer and government demand, Archicentre has introduced two new sustainability services as people recognise once the energy and water (money saving) environmental features are built into the design they continue to work day after day forever. The Archicentre Sustainable Reports have four categories designed to help renovators, people using a building contractor to build a new home, owner builders and home owners. Mr Lukac said the service would also provide new home builders and renovators with professional guidelines and information to brief builders and specify requirements in contracts. ‘‘Green design features are also recognised as building value into the property at its time of sale and real estate agents are already promoting the green aspects of property. ‘‘A better use of materials in construction, orientation of buildings to maximise solar energy gain, lessening the use of airconditioners and heaters in homes and offices are all issues which can have a major impact on household bills. Passive design features include home orientation and layout, solar access, thermal mass, shading, natural ventilation, natural lighting and building fabric. Energy saving features include heating and cooling, insulation, skylights, glazing and hot water system. Water saving initiatives include rainwater harvesting and re-use, grey water treatment and re-use, water saving fittings and appliances and landscaping and pool features. For information, visit www.archicentre.com.au/green-living/ sustainable-homes