Would you consider building a home using Passive Solar Design?
9 years ago
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- 9 years ago
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What's the most annoying home building/design jargon?
Comments (62)As an architect, I have a list of words saved on my desktop that I am conscious can sound confusing to the client! One day I hope to write a little archi-dictionary to help clients work out what we mean when we use so many of the words that seem natural to us! 'Form', 'honest materials', 'warmth', 'documentation', 'draft', 'sketch plan', 'detail', 'mass', 'spine', 'circulation', 'water harvesting', 'floating', 'dynamic', 'heavy', 'celebrate'... etc....See MoreSolar passive advice please
Comments (41)Hi Brett, first off - well done for reaching out (without ego) and asking those that know and those that have tried and found results. If you are going with the brick veneer, the cavity is key to your moisture and thermal capabilities, after years within the house. Gyproc is not designed for anything but a 'skin'. If you increase thermal layer on the walls by asking he outer layer of the stud work with good quality silver sarking or Tyvek. Tape joints to eliminate vapour transfer to internal gyproc. Use 12.5mm gyproc on all external walls. OR Use 12.5 silver backed gyproc board on walls instead of previous. If coast effective -I would use this on the ceilings also. Principle being - isolate the internal breathing environment both thermally and other from the externals. Then deal with any ventilation or thermal issue by themselves internally. Look at why a house is designed, then go 100% better. The problem with roof voids is cold at night and heat in day, focus on high air barrier and high 'R' values here. Internally, consider + and -, as in, where it is cold-draw heat to it (South+ low) where it is hot, draw coolth to it (North & high). The result will be both continuos balance or equilibrium in comfort, thermally, energy and ventilation wise... Hope this helps : )...See MoreHow does hydronic underfloor heating fit into passive design?
Comments (7)As Australias largest supplier of hydronic heating, we have been providing Australian homes with stylish, safe and comfortable hydronic heating and cooling solutions. As exclusive stockists of an extensive range of premium products, we ensure that all homes can enjoy the benefits of a low carbon, energy efficient system. We have just released an industry leading guide on Underfloor Heating, that contains information for both homeowners and installers, I believe the content within would be the perfect for many commenters on this post. If you're unsure on how to proceed with your project I recommend you take full advantage of our personalised consultation service, available for both homeowners and installers. Using the latest design software and coupled with the expertise of our Customer Service Team, you can rest easy knowing that we’ll design a bespoke solution that delivers superior comfort that is also environmentally friendly and energy efficient. If you would like a copy please email me on sophieo@huntheat.com.au, alternatively head to our blog to download a copy: Hunt Heating Blog...See MoreDesign for solar passive
Comments (20)Worth consulting with a Permaculture designer as well at this stage, if you want to maximise the productivity of your site for a sustainable future. Catching and retaining heat from walls is ideal for growing fruit trees and vegies that thrive in warmer climates and need frost protection. Also catching and retaining water on site and using any slopes to your advantage, to minimise the need to water your garden, with slowing how water moves along your site is also vital. Creating a view if you don't have one, is equally important. Do you want raised vegetable beds for ease of work and watering. Wicking beds are ideal for this. Vegie patches and herbs are best located close to your kitchen. The time to plan all those elements of sustainability is now! Habitat for local bird species and beneifical insects is also worth considering, now, rather than when your house is built. Are you considering keeping chickens as part of your sustainable living schemes. If so the best designs for chicken runs, now tends to be a narrow enclosure that runs along your fencelines and can be planted out with fruiting trees. I am actually a Permaculture designer, but I suggest seeking one out locally, who is familiar with your climate and can help you create microclimates ideal for specific plant demands. Even if you didn't use your previous garden, have you considered why not? In an ideal world, outdoor space and greenery helps our spirits soar. Growing your own food saves on food miles and contributes so much to a more sustainable world and offers the freshes, tastiest organic produce too!...See More- 9 years ago
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