Our Architect designed homes are….

• Innovative

Every design involves a process of creativity, development and energy efficiency evaluation.
 
• Functional

Care is taken to ensure each design meets the criteria for everyday living.
 
• Spacious

Even the smallest of our homes have been designed to create a feeling of space flowing from one area to another.

• Interesting

Architect designed homes have interesting layouts and attention to detail not found in many other homes.
 
• Comfortable

Designed sun control for summer and specified insulation for winter warmth.

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Solar performance, energy rating and Ecologically Sustainable Design (ESD)

NatHERS (National Housing Energy Rating System) is used to calculate the thermal performance of the building design and orientation for each postcode location. The Helio design (illustrated on this web site) achieves a 5 star rating through compliance with the design criteria and correct siting. All building approvals in NSW require a minimum rating of 3.5 stars before building approval is granted and in the case of metropolitan Sydney the equivalent of 4.5 stars and the issue of a Basix certificate for thermal comfort, energy and water use. From 1 July 2005 all regional areas in NSW now require a BASIX certificate.

Compliance will provide you with an energy efficient home  warm in winter (saving heating costs) and cool in summer. The following are essential to achieving this outcome: 

• Northerly aspect

• Cross ventilation
• Thermal mass ( concrete slab, some solid internal walls).
• Correct insulation of roof, walls and edges of the slab.
• Shading of northern windows in summer.
• Little or no windows on the east or west (or fully shaded).

ESD aspects to consider in designing and building a house include the use of materials with low embodied energy and sustainable materials such as plantation grown timbers. Use of non toxic finishes should also be considered. Please enquire further for more information on these topics.