SJM DESIGNS
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainable solutions are a necessity in building design. These include design ideologies such as considering the orientation of the home, shading, passive solar heating, passive cooling, sealing the home, insulation, thermal mass, and glazing. This can also include the materials used on the home, making sure they are sustainably sourced or recycled. Sourcing highly energy efficient products including to consider water saving ratings. There are multiple ways to included sustainable solutions into building design and in this renovation, all have been considered and deliberated. It is also imperative that all new homes, home renovations, alterations and additions need to comply with the 6-star standard in the National Construction Code. However, it does not have to stop at the standard. By adding more stars in the design process, it will reduce your heating and cooling energy needs – and energy bills – by 30%.
materials
The materials chosen to build the home contributes to how sustainable the home is. Each building material has a cost to the environment of some sort. However, some principles can help guide the choice of picking what is sustainable to include in the home. Throughout this renovation it has been a focus to keep as much of the existing home materials where possible. The design process consisted of working with what the site is already giving, minimising wastage by using prefabricated elements avoiding unnecessary linings and finishes. It is important to choose durable low maintenance materials. To be able to minimize the need for new materials and finishes over the building’s life cycle.
SHADING
This north facing home has a wide variety of shading and sunlight control. From the houses position large trees have been planted and most existing established trees kept. As well as wooden panels blocking western afternoon sun. North orientation allows for good passive design. As per existing design features illustrating the way in which sunlight penetrates this house. Sun can be excluded in the summer and admitted in winter using horizontal devices. Double glazed windows can exclude up to 60% of heat compared to clear glass however should not be a substitute for shading.
A deep veranda/deck provides welcome shade but can admit a very low angled sun. The added deck will aid in sustainable passive design by keeping the house cool in summer and warm in winter with minimal need for auxiliary heating and cooling.
resource efficiencies
Resource efficiency means using the Earth's limited resources in a sustainable manner while minimising impacts on the environment. Resource efficiency includes for example re-manufacturing, repair, maintenance, recycling, and eco-design. In this home I have tried to retain as much of the existing materials as possible. As well as using sustainable materials and recycled where possible.