The fragility of our environment is now more apparent
than ever. Issues of global warming, ozone layer depletion, land
salinity, prolonged periods of drought, more frequent storms with
greater intensity, reduced fish stocks are a few of the challenges that
we face. More than ever before, society is now conscious of the fact
that we must strive to live in a manner that will have the least impact
on our environment.
ECO Policy
Sustainability is about meeting the needs of
the present, without adversely compromising the needs of the
future. It is not difficult to achieve if we apply a simple
paradigm shift to the way we live our lives and manage our
individual affairs.
As designers and builders, we have a responsibility to structure
and manage our operations To deliver constructions that are
consistent with our long term global needs. At In-Residence, our
designs are developed on the “triple bottom line” criteria.
Issues of the environment, the elements, community/social
interaction and economic viability all have to be expressly met.
A sustainable home is efficient in the use of water and
energy resources whilst minimizing waste. It is also secure,
reinforcing social networks and integrates with the community. A
sustainable home is cost-efficient over time and comfortable.”
Design
Objectives
We have identified the core project objectives
as being;
•A contemporary and functional home that addresses the twenty
first century lifestyle and evolving demographic of the modern
family.
•Is attuned to the Perth climate and outdoor lifestyle
•Achieves the BCA 5-star energy rating
•Demonstrates pragmatic sustainable long term outcomes
•Utilizes alternative and renewable building materials
•Cost effective and affordable
•Addresses the community goals of the existing Development
Plans.
Standard
Design Features of Sustainability
The Design features are modeled on some of the
sustainability rating categories set out by the Green Building Council
of Australia and various guidelines outlined by the Australian
Greenhouse Office. These guidelines are intended to reduce energy and
water use and improve indoor air quality. Whilst the construction scope
may be limited to only part of the overall scope, we prefer to take a
holistic design approach for the entire project.
The Standard
features include
•Passive design – Homes are designed to minimize the
use of mechanical heating or cooling. This is achieved using optimum
house orientation, provision of a high degree of insulation in the
building’s external envelop, designing for natural cross ventilation and
optimizing external solar shading allowing winter sun to enter the
occupied space and preventing summer sun to enter.
• Water efficient fixtures (internal taps, showers, etc) Toilet cisterns
will be water efficient dual flush 3L/6L models.
•This information is not altogether true. It can be argued that the
electric booster which only uses an element the size of a kettle’s
element does not create more emissions. Some say that this information
is written-in by the government to protect the natural gas company which
they have an interest in. Gas boosted units are also $1000 more
expensive!.
•Our construction waste is sorted and recyclable
materials are recycled. Separate on site waste bins will be provided for
trades to use. Metals will have one bin, concrete/mortar in another,
etc.
In tune with this outlook, we always aim to
stretch the boundaries of not only contemporary residential
design, but also standard construction practice, materials and
methods.
We strive to create flexible space that integrates the
indoor living areas with an internal private north-facing courtyard. Our
dwellings lend themselves to tranquil private living, entertaining or
using the space for the homes based business and office. The layout also
allows for flexibility of uses over its lifetime and facilitates access
for people of varying abilities which is a key requirement of the brief.
In all cases we apply passive solar design and orientate our dwellings
to minimize reliance on mechanical heating and cooling. Water efficient
fitting/fixtures and appliances are standard. Solar heating of hot water
will become “the norm” over time. The potential also exists within our
scope to allow for installation of photo-voltaic cells to generate some
of the dwellings own electrical energy needs , to install rainwater
tanks and inbuilt systems drainage systems of grey water recycling
to irrigate gardens, and to also incorporate central floor heating
powered by gas or solar collectors.
The
Optional features include
•Photo voltaic cells – the house will incorporate a photo
voltaic system which shall store electrical energy during
daylight hours which can then be used to power lights and
electrical appliance during the day and night. Any shortfall in
supply will be supplemented up by the mains power.
•Sustainable materials – renewable materials will be used where
available to construct the house. This will include brick veneer
construction to take advantage of renewable plantation pine.
External masonry construction will be limestone, a natural
product.
•A rain water tank for water make-up to the reticulation.
•High performance glazing (either low U-value).
•Garden plants will all be of the native variety requiring very
little watering.
•Use high efficiency lights throughout. Fluorescent, compact
fluorescent or Led (Light Emitting Diode) light bulbs to be used
indoors. Outdoors, incandescent lights with motion detectors.
•Clean energy electricity tariffs shall be used. Synergy Energy
offer two such tariffs. These are termed Natural Power and Earth
friendly tariffs. These tariffs are derived from energy
generated from renewable sources and the additional cost paid
over the normal standard tariff is used to invest in new
renewable energy generation systems.
•Materials of construction will be selected for low embodied
energy. Embodied energy is the energy consumed by all of the
processes associated with the production of a building, from the
acquisition of natural resources to product delivery. This
includes the mining and manufacturing of materials and
equipment, the transport of the materials and the administrative
functions. Embodied energy is a significant
component of the lifecycle impact of a home. Limestone is a good
example for external masonary walls.
This has very low embodied energy as no baking is required.
Brick veneer construction is used also for the same reason.
