This showhome in NSW Australia is targeting Passive House performance levels. This is a very challenging project: it is small but also complex with a high form factor because of its non-rectilinear design. Its performance has been tightly optimised in order to contain costs, so it will demand perfect execution by the builder (who is also the client). Alexander Symes …
Thinkstep report: 20% of NZ’s carbon emissions from built environment
A fifth of New Zealand’s carbon emissions is due to our built environment. Unlike other parts of the economy, significantly lowering this sector’s carbon emissions can be done while making everything better. We can reduce carbon while creating warm and healthy buildings durable enough to pass on as a legacy to our children and over a typical mortgage term it …
Solaire Properties Passive House a subtropical Passive House
Solaire Properties Passive House a subtropical Passive House “Solaire Properties is close to completion of what it claims is the world’s first subtropical passive house. The Brisbane-based property development company engaged Joe Adsett Architects to design the 380-metre square home in Auchenflower, Brisbane.” Note that although it is not the ‘world’s first subtropical passive house’ it is the first in …
Better buildings easier than better cows
Although we have the Thinkstep report showing that New Zealand’s built environment contributes only 20% of our overall carbon emissions (compared to 40% for the USA and much of Europe) this is still significant. We are unique for a developed country in that we produce a lot of emissions from farming. Designing buildings to be energy efficient and reducing their embodied …
Niche public facilities an obvious target for energy-efficient design
Public swimming pools: a niche type of building but important community fixtures. They are also invariably shocking gluttons for energy thanks to stupid design (or stupid decisions by those commissioning them, who have valued form and overlooked function). As I read this, all I could think about was how the ‘standard approach’ to designing buildings—even big, flash public ones—is simply …
Work harder, commit more to decarbonising public assets
Some interesting analysis here, although you have to read carefully to see the high-performance building connection. Of the $12 billion in infrastructure spending announced last week, $200 million has been allocated for “decarbonisation” of some public assets. That’s only 1.6 % and I and others would argue that we need to work harder on reducing the carbon footprint of existing …
Handy list of trained installers
Here is the list of folks that have, at least, taken the two-day training course. If you are searching for someone in your area that knows how to build a quality air control layer, this is a good place to look. pro clima Certified Installers —29 Jan 2020
Energy Ratings Deliver Higher Sale Prices For High-Performing Homes
Homebuyers do care about energy efficiency and energy rating schemes for homes show a price premium for high-performing homes, says this Australian author. The problem is the ACT is the only Australian state with a mandatory scheme. As homes and buildings are, in general, one of the few profitable paths to zero carbon (ie we can save money while drastically …
Yes – it’s a Passive House Plus Office Building
Crazy looking building: but under the iridescent facade is a standard form office building. Well, standard aside from the funky double concrete staircase. The architect’s website has some great photos. but the really interesting point is the performance … this is a Certified Passive House Plus. It’s listed as the largest certified project in France as at the time of …