2 min read

How to Manage Rising Building Costs for new builds and renovations

By Jamie Bonnefin on Feb 21, 2023 3:39:43 PM

Why Are Building Costs Rising?

Topics: ESD Glazing Architecture Sustainability Changes Energy Efficiency Insulation Green Star Rating Residential Alterations & Additions
1 min read

7 Star Energy Designs

By Jamie Bonnefin on Aug 3, 2022 1:41:12 PM

With the new NatHERs minimum set to change to a 7-star energy rating, you may be wondering how to go about building a new house that meets the target. 

Topics: Architecture NatHERS Construction Energy Efficiency
3 min read

Benefits Living in a Passive House

By Jamie Bonnefin on Jul 9, 2021 1:35:44 PM

With climate change being at the forefront of challenges we must begin to address, we have to reconcile with adapting our lives to the state of the world we live in. From buying tote bags and metal straws to reducing meat consumption, much of the actions we are to personally take are often cumbersome. It hurts my soul to limit my steak burrito intake to once a week! Unlike most of these personal adjustments, however, adopting a Passive House Design layout for your home would not only improve your living standards but come with a myriad of benefits for homeowners and landlords alike!

Topics: ESD Energy Efficiency Passive House Residential passive house australia
4 min read

Eaves and thermal comfort

By Jamie Bonnefin on May 12, 2021 11:44:47 AM

Building for the Australian Climate.

A building’s access to sunlight is one of the leading factors contributing to its thermal comfort, with the amount of direct sunlight that the building receives greatly influencing the passive heating and cooling factors. However, as the sun’s path varies seasonally, accounting for the required direct sunlight a building needs becomes difficult. The eaves of building construction can maintain great benefits if used correctly.

Topics: ESD BASIX NatHERS Accreditations Construction Energy Efficiency Residential
2 min read

A National Rollout Of Victoria's Residential Efficiency Scorecard In 2021

By Billie Karadimas on Mar 16, 2021 10:06:20 AM

The Victorian Residential Efficiency Scorecard is a program which rates the energy performance of residential homes on a 10 star ranking system and provides recommendations to home owners to reduce energy costs. The Scorecard provides an energy assessment with consideration of fixed heating and cooling appliances, hot water systems, window orientation and general structure of the home.

Topics: NatHERS Energy Efficiency Scorecard
3 min read

Your Carbon Foot Print at home

By Adam Serry on Apr 30, 2020 6:31:32 PM

Tips and Tricks to implement within your household to help reduce your carbon footprint and live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle! 

Topics: BASIX NatHERS Sustainability Energy Efficiency Thermal Performance
3 min read

5 Quick Tips for Sustainable Home Design

By Deniro Stocks on Apr 30, 2020 4:12:02 PM

We've found 5 quick and easy tips that will help guide on how to make your decisions in building a sustainable home. 

Topics: Design ESD Glazing Emerging Materials Sustainability Energy Efficiency Climate Residential
3 min read

The Basics of Passive Cooling

By Deniro Stocks on Apr 26, 2020 8:35:24 PM

Passive cooling is the cheapest method of cooling a home, and as an added bonus is incredibly environmentally friendly. No matter the climate you live in, you'll be using passive cooling to some extent throughout the year.

Whether you live in an apartment or a larger home, your home can be built or modified to allow you to take advantage of passive cooling systems to help you achieve greater comfort. If you already rely on mechanical cooling systems (like air conditioners) you can reduce your energy costs by combining these with passive cooling.

Choosing the most appropriate passive cooling strategies for your home should be guided by the climate you live in. We've listed some of the basic strategies below to get you started!

Topics: Design ESD Emerging Materials Sustainability Energy Efficiency Climate Materials Cooling
4 min read

Beginners Guide: Thermal Mass

By Ilvy Bonnefin on Apr 25, 2020 12:01:25 PM

Want to learn more about optimising the thermal comfort of your project? Read below to learn the basics regarding the Thermal Mass capabilities in certain  building materials! 

Topics: Thermal Comfort Sustainability Energy Efficiency Thermal Performance Cooling Residential Commercial
2 min read

Top Tips on how to pass BASIX

By Deniro Stocks on Apr 25, 2020 11:48:30 AM

BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) assesses the energy and water efficiency of your development. It is one of the most important planning tools currently operating in NSW to ensure buildings are being developed to operate in a sustainable manner. In NSW the State Government requires that a BASIX Certificate is attached to all development plans when submitted for DA approval.

Topics: ESD BASIX NatHERS Thermal Comfort Sustainability Energy Efficiency Residential