Design and siting are crucial to building an energy efficient home in the Canberra region. By making use of our clear, sunny winter days and relatively cool summer nights it is possible to build a comfortable home that does not require active sources of heating and cooling.In wintertime this means maximising north facing window areas to allow the sun’s energy (warmth) into your home. This energy must then be stored in internal thermal mass such as a concrete slab floor or areas of internal brickwork. The stored energy needs to be retained through the use of good insulation in the external walls and ceilings.
In summertime this means minimising the effect of the hot summer sun through use of roof overhang to shade windows. West facing windows should be minimised and well shaded and external walls and ceilings need to be well insulated. Cooling the home’s internal thermal mass overnight through good cross-ventilation helps to keep the interior cool the following day.
Using these simple criteria will keep a house warm in winter (15-25°C) and cool in summer (20-28°C) without the need for heating or air conditioning.
Today there are also many new appliances and fittings available that will enhance the energy efficiency of your home such assolar hot water systems, water efficient fittings and back to grid solar panels.
Visit our website to view the gallery of homes we have built here in Canberra.
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