Agree. Also anything below about 3 ACH will need mechanical ventilation. But for 2-3 ACH is be looking at decentralised HRV.

Science.
Hahaha.
I have a degree in science, does my vote count

Pretty rubbish article I think.

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…

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 …

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…

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.…

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…

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.

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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,…

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

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…

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…

Try to find a plan that has you living areas facing north. They'll be brighter, & warmer in winter, heated by the northern sun.
Try to limit western windows (this is…

With the current plan the alfresco will totally shade the living areas. You'll get zero winter sunshine through your living area windows (foregoing that free heat), & these rooms will…

You've been blessed with a block with a north facing backyard.
This block orientation is more desirable & more expensive than other orientations for one reason, & one reason only.
This orientation…

For that sort of money I'd be aiming higher than 7 star. 6 stars in the minimum allowable for Australia's very poor standards. Plus houses rarely actually achieve the rating…

Steel has high thermal conductivity, so heat can flow through the frame, bypassing insulation. This is called thermal bridging, which can be a problem. Thermal bridging is not as big…

My main concern would already be, is the house orientated correctly? That is, do the living areas face north?
A home with north facing living areas will be more energy efficient…

Agree, you really must have your living areas facing north. The home will be more comfortable, lighter & your bills for heating & cooling will be lower.
Orientating a home in…

There is a common floorplan thread somewhere on here. If you can find it & revive it that would be good.

It's a catch 22 situation.
The block orientation means you won't have many northern windows, & you'll have lots of eastern & western windows. These windows are difficult to shade, so…

Same problems, the covered alfresco shades much of your living areas. Meaning they'll be dark, & cold in winter.
A couple of solutions. Either get rid of the roof above the…

Unless you're in the tropics, your south facing living areas will need heating in winter. So I'd be adding a doorway between the kitchen & the hallway, so you can…

Orientation, orientation, orientation!
Get this right, & your home will be lighter, more comfortable & more energy efficient.
Living areas to the north. Bedrooms to the south & east. Rarely used rooms…