REGULAR INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT
Jenny Edwards
As part of our new series on innovation in building, Jenny Edwards from Light House ArchiScience tells us about their unique science-based approach to building sustainable, climateappropriate homes. ‘The science of today is the technology of tomorrow’. – Edward Teller Building science is, and always has been, available to everyone in Australia, but awareness of it has been low. At Light House, we use solar passive design tailored to the local climate and site, plus building science. We are not Passivhaus practitioners, but long-term proponents of building physics and great design for Australia’s climate. Using National House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) software, we check and optimise our designs right from concept to completion. We also test the building envelope of our projects at the end of construction with thermal cameras and blower doors.
Science-based design: the Light House approach TRANSFORMING EXISTING HOMES WITH SCIENCE-BASED DESIGN
The potential for optimising existing homes is often overlooked. In light of climate change, cost of living and the housing crisis, we must consider clever ways to work with what we already have and provide healthy, affordable housing to people at a higher density. With great design, this can be achieved in our existing suburbs without destroying our bush capital and garden city vibe. We typically reduce the energy use of existing homes by 60-80%. Our clients love the much smaller energy bills, but the biggest thing they comment on is the increase in comfort and how much more functional their home is with good use of space and energy efficient design. AN EXAMPLE: EVOLUTION HOUSE
A modest home built in Kambah the 1970s was extended in the 80s, and again in the 90s, to create a rambling, energy-guzzling, 214m2 house. Purchased over 20 years ago as a family home with a 2-star energy rating, a decade later the client found herself with an empty, inefficient and uncomfortable nest and way too much space. Our team transformed it into two 7.5 star homes in one, creating a family home where the client’s daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren now live, alongside a fabulous small home for the client. By making the most of the northern orientation, insulating the ceiling and walls, draught sealing, double glazing, getting of gas and using efficient heat pump/ reverse cycle technology for the water heating and space conditioning, the changes in functionality, energy efficiency, comfort and joy are remarkable.
Find out more about Light House ArchiScience’s unique approach to energy efficient building at lighthouseteam.com.au
CANBERRA BUILDER EDITION 3 / 2024
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