Sustainability & Community

Ecological Sustainability

• More than ever before, society is now conscience of the fact that we must strive to live in a manner that will have the least impact on our environment.
• Sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present, without adversely compromising the needs of the future. It is not difficult to achieve if apply a simple paradigm shift to the way we operate.
• Our designs are developed on the “triple bottom line” criteria. Issues of the environment, the elements community/social interaction and economic viability all need to be expressly met.
• A sustainable house is efficient in the use of water and energy resources, and minimizes waste.  It is also secure, reinforces social networks and is integrated with the community.  A sustainable house is cost-efficient over time, comfortable easy to maintain and complements its environment.
• In tune with this outlook, we always aim to stretch the boundaries of not only contemporary residential design, but also standard construction practice, materials and methods. We strive to create flexible space that integrates the indoor living areas with an internal private north-facing courtyard. Our dwellings lend themselves to tranquil private living, entertaining or using the space for homes based business/office. The layout also allows for flexibility of uses over time and facilitates access for people of varying abilities which is a key requirement of the brief.
• In all cases we apply passive solar design and orientate our dwellings to minimize reliance on mechanical heating and cooling. Water efficient fitting/fixtures and appliances are standard. Solar heating of hot water is common practice The potential also exists within our scope to allow for installation of photo-voltaic cells to generate some of the dwellings own electrical energy needs, to install rain water tanks and inbuilt systems drainage systems of grey water recycling to irrigate gardens, and to also incorporate central floor heating powered by gas or solar collectors.

Standard Design Objectives

• Our standard core sustainable objectives are;
• A functional home that addresses the twenty first century lifestyle and evolving demographic of the modern family.
• Is attuned to the Perth Climate and outdoor lifestyle
• Achieves the BCA 5-star energy rating as a minimum
• Demonstrates pragmatic sustainable long term outcomes
• Utilizes alternative and renewable building materials
• Cost effective and affordable
• Addresses the community goals of the existing Development Plans.

General Guidelines of Sustainability

• A sustainable house is secure, reinforces social networks and is integrated with the community.  It is also efficient in the use of water and energy resources, and minimizes waste.  A sustainable house is cost-efficient over time, comfortable easy to maintain and complements its environment.
• The principles set out below offer a guide to achieving sustainable development when designing your home.

Social Aspects

• Access, safety and security form the basis for designing a socially sustainable home.  The following points should be considered by each buyer when choosing a building design and locating it on the lot.
• Ensure that the home addresses the primary street and don’t allow garages to dominate.  An attractive and stimulating built environment will strengthen the sense of wellbeing of residents and people in the community.
• Provide a legible and welcoming entry with clear pedestrian pathways, driveways and good external lighting.
• Design the home to have easy surveillance of play areas and surveillance of the street.
• Provide protected outdoor living and play areas with a good relationship to indoor areas.  This is essential for living in the Western Australian climate.
• Design homes for people with varying abilities and at different stages in their lives by increasing the main hallway, toilet and bathroom and door widths.  Ensure floors are step free, slip resistant and easy to clean, design at lease one hobless shower for easy access and to reduce the risk of falls.
• Ensure that the main living areas and at least one bedroom/bathroom are located on the same level and can be accessed from the garage carport or front boundary.

Economic Benefits

• Improved design features, appropriate solar orientation and low maintenance materials improve the cost effectiveness of sustainable homes over time.
• Energy efficient and renewable energy fixtures such as solar hot water systems and or high star rated appliances
• Select longer lasting, low maintenance materials.
• Select local products to reduce transport costs and support local businesses.
• Use low embodied energy materials to reduce journey from the source, product manufacturing techniques and refinement.

Environment Efficiency

• Sustainable homes aim to improve resource efficiencies by considering water, energy and waste efficiency both during construction and over the life of the home.  Housing should demonstrate a minimum of 15 environmental attributes including mandatory compliance with highlighted measures such as those listed below;

(i) Energy Efficiency

• Locate daylight living areas and outdoor courtyard living spaces to the north
• ‘Zone’ rooms to reduce unnecessary heating and cooling requirements
• Use dense building materials internally for thermal mass to heat the home in winter
• Provide sufficient protection to windows during summer months by installing eaves and or a Solar Pergola to north façade or pergolas with deciduous vines and or shade structures on west and east facing windows.
• Install operable windows on the northern and southern facades for natural cross ventilation
• Minimize west facing windows to prevent undue heating of the home in summer
• Minimize draughts by installing quality seals to windows and doors
• Consider installing additional cavity insulation (eg to east & west facing walls)
• Provide roof ventilation (rotary or static ventilators) to cool the home.
• Install R3.0 roof insulation (as a minimum)
• Install energy efficient solar hot water systems and high star rated appliances and fitting (as recommended by ‘the Sustainable Energy Development Office’)
• Use light colour roof and walls to increase comfort levels in summer months
• Consider installing eave vents to maximise summer airflow in the ceiling cavity.
• Consider use of renewable energy such as solar power rather than electricity for heating and cooling, cooking and washing needs (refer to the Sustainable Energy Development Office)
• Ensure compliance with the Building Code of Australia energy efficiency amendments for 2003 and 2006-11-14

(ii) Water Conservation

• Install water wise design fixtures inside the home such as AAA or AAAA rate tap ware, water efficient shower heads and toilet cisterns.
• Install a 3000 litre capacity rain water tank or other collection/direction devices for use in garden irrigation and or the toilets and laundry.
• Consider opportunities for grey water recycling internally and externally.  Please provide details

(iii) Waste Management & Air Quality

• Waste minimization and management strategies to be practiced throughout the whole building process
• Use prefabricated components where possible eg Roof trusses.
• Install draft stoppers on exhaust fans (kitchen, bathroom)
• Ensure noise from swimming pool and air conditioning pumps are appropriately located to minimize environmental impact.
• Use recycled or renewable materials in construction and fitout
• Use low toxicity materials and adhesives for improvement to air quality within the home and to reduce incidence of allergies eg low allergen paints