Energy efficient home: Springfield scores 9.5 stars

Queensland builders Integrity New Homes have catered to a growing demand for energy efficient homes by achieving a 9.5 star home energy rating in their latest display.

In addition, the Queensland builder choose to build the Lakeview 28 display home on a narrow, sloping block in order to demonstrate that regardless of the challenges, there is always a design solution to create a liveable, sustainable and cost effective home.

Richard Bremner, Queensland state manager, Integrity New Homes says the Lakeview 28 – located in Queensland’s Springfield Lakes – was developed in response to a rising demand for energy efficient homes in the Queensland market.

You can listen to the podcast of our interview with Richard Bremner here.

“People are conscious these days of increasing electricity costs,” Bremner says, “and they are always looking for a home that will give them savings through the design.”

Sustainable design: reducing energy use

The home was built to the rear of steep block, which opened up water views of a near by lake, while elevation of the house provides views to the front of the property.

The issue of a close proximity to the neighbours was overcome by installing highlight windows high up on the internal walls. Bremner says this allows natural light to be drawn into the home but removed the sense that the neighbours were quite close.

“We came up with a range of clever design aspects which are specific to the block,” he explains.

“But they also demonstrate there’s always a way to create a home that’s fantastic to live in day-to-day, and has energy benefits in terms of long term operating costs.”

The two-storey 260sqm home features a range of energy efficiency measures including hoods placed over windows to reduce direct sunlight into the home, covered deck areas and tinted windows, and thick insulation in the walls, as well as the roof.

The 9.5 star rating home also includes a series of solar panels on the roof for generating electricity for use throughout the home. (Any excess electricity can be sold back into the grid.)

There is also a water tank on site, which allows rainwater to be reticulated to the gardens and the toilets throughout the house.

Energy efficiency: cost savings

Bremner says the energy efficiency measures implemented throughout benefit the occupant two-fold because they not only reduce the costs associated with running the house but also improve its ‘liveability’.

“The client stands to have energy savings over traditional coal powered electricity during their time living in the home,” he explains. “The day-to-day way in which they live will also be more comfortable, the atmosphere is controlled throughout the home.”

The home, which was constructed from a range of materials –including Scyon™ Stria™ cladding and HardieTex™ system – has received positive feedback from the Queensland house market, according to Bremner.

“People like the fact it’s a design driven house,” he explains. “It shows you can be energy and cost efficient, as well as creative and innovative on a small block.