TMR
Member
Hi All,
Planning to build a new home, 10 x 10.5 m two story, block work now, not Rapidwall. Two rental apartments downstairs, living upstairs. What would you include if it where your build?
It is said to be 6 star rated, 6Kw solar, evac tube hot water, led lighting, thermal and acoustic insulation...
A million things to think of, and I would hate to miss a simple, inexpensive option that could make a big difference.
Cheers
Mark
karmacoma
Member
Are you hoping for enough posts here to comprehensively cover the design of a new house? Or do you have anything in particular in mind?
Have you looked at the government's "Your Home" guide to sustainable homes?
http://www.yourhome.gov.au
That would be a good start.
There are a lot of building designers out there too.
TMR
Member
Hi,
Open to all suggestions. Clever add-on's, an example instead of Whirlybird's for roof venting, there is the solar powered option that draws a lot more air. But then there also is the Windworker a vortex vent that is supposed to be better.
Anything like that.
Just trying to avoid missing simple things / changes that could make a difference.
Cheers
Mark
nhand42
Member
TMR said:
Hi,
Open to all suggestions. Clever add-on's, an example instead of Whirlybird's for roof venting, there is the solar powered option that draws a lot more air. But then there also is the Windworker a vortex vent that is supposed to be better.
Anything like that.
Just trying to avoid missing simple things / changes that could make a difference.
Cheers
Mark
Roof ventilation is worthless if you have proper insulation and sarking. You can add silly things like whirlybirds later at low cost. But here are some things you must get right first go, because these are difficult to fix later.
- orientation
- solar gain
- thermal mass
- shading
- insulation
- radiant barriers
- air tightness
- cross ventilation
- thermal bridges
Knowing more about the house construction and location would help a lot. Options that work in one location might not work for you. And if you're looking for a $100 trick that makes all the difference, you're out of luck, there is no such thing.
TMR
Member
Hi nhand42,
I didn't realize there were so many silly people in Brisbane, with all those silly Whirlybirds installed.. A $100 trick that makes all the difference: installing a WI-FI smart plug, control appliances remotely and detailed reports on actual energy consumption from individual appliances.
The aspects you mentioned have been addressed, it was the simple things, inexpensive options, add-on's that was of interest.
nhand42
Member
TMR said:
Hi nhand42,I didn't realize there were so many silly people in Brisbane, with all those silly Whirlybirds installed.. A $100 trick that makes all the difference: installing a WI-FI smart plug, control appliances remotely and detailed reports on actual energy consumption from individual appliances.
The aspects you mentioned have been addressed, it was the simple things, inexpensive options, add-on's that was of interest.
Well it seems like you've already solved everything, and you know about the $100 tricks, so I won't waste any more of your time.
Johnnojack
Member
I am interested to know how you are addressing the insulation aspect of the home, since you are building with blockwork? Can you describe the complete wall construction (inside to outside) for us please?
TMR
Member
Hi,
I can't yet. Rapid wall was the product to be used but because of site restrictions, it has been changed. I am waiting for the builders re-drafted proposal at this stage. The Draughtsman fortunately seems to be pretty switched on, so we shall see.
I would assume something along the lines of "Here is an example of insulation: 1/2-inch plaster on 3/4-inch furring and 1/2-inch rigid insulation will reduce the heat transmission factor to .22"
