ddarroch posted:Hydronic heating - slab insulation
I haven't used homeone much in the last few years, but have read some horror stories about huge bills for in-slab hydronic heating.
The culprits usually seem to be poorly insulated…
ddarroch posted:Ceiling insulation
For Perth, the government's 'Your Home' website recommends a minimum of R4.1 for the roof/ceiling, R2.8 for the walls
https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/insulation
ddarroch posted:Corner block
The one main advantage of corner blocks on the southern side of the road is that they have great access to northern light. As they will not be overshadowed by…
ddarroch posted:Alternatives to decreasing window size
How far along in the planning process are you Kelsey?
The most important thing to do when planning a home is to orientate or correctly. That is, locate living areas (&…
ddarroch posted:Garage at back of house
What is the orientation of the block?
It's a very good idea to face the living areas (& a large proportion of the glazing) to the north. Minimising western (& to…
ddarroch posted:Concept Plan
As I said, I'd consider rearranging the living areas, so there's a window facing east, the hill. Probably the same for the master bed. I'd also consider rotating the garage…
ddarroch posted:Concept Plan
I'd assume that kline is talking about the home being orientated correctly. That is, living areas (& a large proportion of glazing) facing north, limited western (& eastern) glazing. Orientation…
ddarroch posted:Concept Plan
Firstly, what climate are you in? What's appropriate for Hobart certainly isn't appropriate for Cairns.
A pavilion home is probably a great idea in warmer climates, as cross-ventilation will be aided.
But…
ddarroch posted:8 star houses in Perth
Laros is selling them for $1,600 a pair.
https://shop.laros.com.au/shop/energy-r ... on-system/
ddarroch posted:8 star houses in Perth
A pair of Lunos e2's costs around $1,600 I believe.
ddarroch posted:Two dwellings under one roof?
What state are you in OP?
Like gogo65, I thought it was possible to have an attached granny flat, in NSW at least.
Haven't looked into it for a few years though.
ddarroch posted:8 star houses in Perth
Air tightness is very important in an energy efficient build, & therefore so is ventilation.
But if you're wanting to build an energy efficient home, I'd certainly be looking at using…
ddarroch posted:Concept design feedback: Passive solar, orientation
Agree. Also anything below about 3 ACH will need mechanical ventilation. But for 2-3 ACH is be looking at decentralised HRV.
ddarroch posted:Concept design feedback: Passive solar, orientation
Science.
Hahaha.
I have a degree in science, does my vote count 
ddarroch posted:Concept design feedback: Passive solar, orientation
Pretty rubbish article I think.
ddarroch posted:Can you falsify insulation certificate?
Yeah, I think it's critical to get independent inspections done at important stages of the build. I wouldn't be relying on the builder's integrity for the biggest purchase you'll probably…
ddarroch posted:Concept design feedback: Passive solar, orientation
I'm not an expert - but have a keen interest in this field - & am honestly flabbergasted that somebody producing these plans would say they an architect that …
ddarroch posted:New house building mistakes
I highly recommend that you read the government's Your Home website (or book, if you'd prefer to have a hard copy). Australia's guide to environmentally sustainable homes.
Start with the 'passive…
ddarroch posted:orientation of house
You're a little late to the party. You really should have thought of this before purchasing your block.
Ideally you want your living areas, & a large proportion to face north.…
ddarroch posted:Statesman Homes Build At Wasleys, 4000m2 Block, First Home.
Welcome to the forum Manny,
Firstly I'll mention that many people remove details of where they are building, for security reasons. Not really a big deal yet. But if you post…
ddarroch posted:Tricky block- Adelaide- need reassurance please!
BecW, which direction does the block face. ie, what frontage, where is north?
Depending on which direction the slope falls, you might have great northern light, or you might be overshadowed.
ddarroch posted:Comparison of insulation upgrades
They all look like very minimal upgrades. As you can see from the ROI, financially none of them are worth it.
You haven't really said much about your double glazing. What…
ddarroch posted:Slab partial insulation
Firstly, unless you're in a very warm climate, I wouldn't be putting a verandah on the northern side of the home. This will result in too much shade in winter.…
ddarroch posted:Gas Cooktops
Personally, I'd get an induction cooktop.
• Sensitive temperature control.
• Fast reaction time, like gas.
• Far easier to clean than gas.
Actually, if ditch the gas connection to the home altogether! Building…
ddarroch posted:Custom design expensive, so which project builder recommend
Personally, of be aiming for quality, not quantity.
40-45sq is pretty huge. Close to double the average Australian home, which build the largest homes in the world.
Not only do larger home…
ddarroch posted:Eaves that conform to passive solar guidelines
Agree with Stewie, western bedrooms are not a good idea.
If possible I'd be trying to flip the rear of the plan, so that all the bedrooms are on the east,…
ddarroch posted:Two Story Home Design feedback please!
Which direction does the house face, ie. where is north in the image?
Orientation is absolutely critical when it comes to energy efficiency & comfort.
https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/orientation
ddarroch posted:Eaves that conform to passive solar guidelines
Jeez I hate lots of volume builders. You do your best to learn about energy efficient building design (like passive solar design) - because many builders still don't seem to…
ddarroch posted:Floorplan Critique
Looking good. Lots of northern glazing in living areas, little western or eastern glazing. Perfect.
But, along with the northern glazing, you actually need that northern sunlight to make its way…
