Browse Forums Eco Living Re: Lazy Eco? 6/7-Star Volume Building 2Nov 02, 2008 3:47 pm Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: Lazy Eco? 6/7-Star Volume Building 4Nov 03, 2008 1:25 pm Alexander Hender Environmental Sustainability Consultant House Energy Rating 1300 308 525 Re: Lazy Eco? 6/7-Star Volume Building 7Nov 03, 2008 4:01 pm Alexander Hender Environmental Sustainability Consultant House Energy Rating 1300 308 525 Re: Lazy Eco? 6/7-Star Volume Building 12Nov 03, 2008 4:20 pm Ah, I see where our (my) wires are crossed.
In Victoria, the FirstRate software CAN be used for us to six-stars. My mistake. Elsewhere, the software can only be used for 5 stars, and is modified accordingly. Please excuse the error. I believe that the demo software is still available from Sustainability Victoria. http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/ww ... pdates.asp I would caution against placing too much stock in any results you generate, however. Proper training and accreditation is necessary to be able to use FirstRate or similar software correctly. Best of luck with the new home. Alexander Hender Environmental Sustainability Consultant House Energy Rating 1300 308 525 Re: Lazy Eco? 6/7-Star Volume Building 13Nov 03, 2008 4:30 pm Hi Russell
That's the thing with volume building, the block hardly ever has the perfect orientation. Ideally your living areas should be facing north. But a good balance of glazing on orientations and double glazing can be a good solution. You shouldn't have to become an expert in building energy efficient homes, as it sounds like you've got way too many other things to deal with. A 7 star rated house is definitely a good thing as most volume builders only build to 5 stars. Re: Lazy Eco? 6/7-Star Volume Building 14Nov 03, 2008 4:34 pm With regards to downloading FirstRate 5, I agree with Alexandar, you definitely need to be qualified to gain accurate results.
FirstRate 5 is much more extensive and you no longer just enter data, a PDF of the floor plan is import into the software and you rate each room, drawing in windows and doors and entering other data (and that just the brief description of what to do). Re: Lazy Eco? 6/7-Star Volume Building 15Nov 03, 2008 5:05 pm skybluethinking I believe that the demo software is still available from Sustainability Victoria. http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/ww ... pdates.asp Thank you, thank you, thank you - I missed that box in the top right corner! Sorry to get off topic Russell! Just having a quick look at the Burbank Future range. Nothing particularly special about the actual designs, they are just avoiding the "wrap around" type houses. You can quite easily adjust most standard project home floorplans if your block faces south. Other than the design Burbank are just including solar hot water, rainwater tank, double glazed windows and additional insulation. You can do the same thing with most project builders, they appear to have moved on from 2006 when most sales consultants asked "WHY?" when we enquired about double glazing. Re: Lazy Eco? 6/7-Star Volume Building 16Nov 04, 2008 10:14 am If I was to submit my house plans for an assessment, what pricing would I be looking at.
Could anyone break it down to me also what is the process that is undertaken when doing such a task. I would be really interested it what my house could achieve. ( Plans done) Please PM me and I can follow up with whoever. Thanks Cheers Michael He wants a dream home theatre - she wants a dream kitchen! Re: Lazy Eco? 6/7-Star Volume Building 17Nov 04, 2008 7:30 pm EcoClimate Hi Russell That's the thing with volume building, the block hardly ever has the perfect orientation. Read Derek Wrigley's book on Sustainable housing. There is a lot more opportunity for large scale developers to ensure subdivisions each have good solar access and ventilation. There is a proposal for an ambitious 'green development' - Lochiel Park. Located in the heart of Adelaide suburbia along the Torrens river, several prominent building companies will be involved in the project. Here are the design guidelines and allotments: http://www.lochielpark.com.au/lochielpa ... lines3.pdf They stipulate regulations about overshading and obstructions to neighbours properties . Re: Lazy Eco? 6/7-Star Volume Building 18Nov 04, 2008 8:08 pm Thankfully we're not in such a sardine-can estate that shading will be an issue, it's 940 sq m and we only want about 18 squares. Besides which our northern boundary backs on to farm land. I had a look at that Technical manual and it says N-S orientation is OK. (We are in the cool temperate zone.) I suppose E-W would be better though given the aspect ratio of the houses we are looking at is about 1.5-2:1. Re: Lazy Eco? 6/7-Star Volume Building 19Nov 11, 2008 9:22 am russell Thankfully we're not in such a sardine-can estate that shading will be an issue, it's 940 sq m and we only want about 18 squares. Besides which our northern boundary backs on to farm land. I had a look at that Technical manual and it says N-S orientation is OK. (We are in the cool temperate zone.) I suppose E-W would be better though given the aspect ratio of the houses we are looking at is about 1.5-2:1. Courtyard style homes may be the solution. Solar access is improved down the axis of the building. By landscaping around the courtyards they can either be wind shelters or assist in funneling breezes through the house. http://www.paulcraigbuilding.com.au/north_frontage.php Re: Lazy Eco? 6/7-Star Volume Building 20Nov 11, 2008 9:29 am russell That said, it sounds as if the rating is indeed reliable. Depends on who you ask. It is dependent both on the sophistication of the software package and the operator who enters and analyses the data. Follow a lively debate on the accuracy of home energy rating systems: http://forums.envirotalk.com.au/house-E ... t7902.html go upvc window frames ensure insulation under colorbond. not just sarking, lighter color roof also not sure if you have seen this viewtopic.php?t=5823 last couple of pages… 4 111041 Hi, Seeking volume or semi-custom builder in victoria(east), which have existing double story wide floor plans. Seeking 18-20m wide homes with depth of 12-15m long. Or… 0 25325 i did click it, still couldnt make it out rofl. in any case, doesnt look like too extreme a slope, you may be in luck. Just shoot out some emails to volume builders in… 3 18661 |