In today’s world, where sustainability and energy efficiency are crucial considerations, building a 7-star home has become an increasingly popular choice among homeowners.
7-Star homes not only reduce our carbon footprint but also offer numerous benefits that go beyond just energy savings.
Moreover, with the recent changes in the National Construction Code, new energy efficiency requirements have made building environmentally friendly homes more important than ever before. It is now a requirement from October 2023 that all new homes have a minimum 7-star rating.
One of the most significant advantages of building a 7-star home is the exceptional energy efficiency the home will offer. The new energy efficiency requirements demand more sustainable and energy-saving measures during the construction process. These new standards require designers and builders to incorporate more energy efficient materials and design ideas to achieve the 7-star rating.
By achieving a 7-star rating, homeowners can significantly reduce their energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills and reduced environmental impact.
What are the top tips for building for 7 stars?
Building for 7 stars does not have to be complicated. By engaging a professional builder during the design stage of your new home, simple design features and material choices
which will make a significant difference to energy efficiency of your new home can be considered.
1. Engage with a builder during the initial design stage. A professional builder will have a NatHERS accredited assessor who will be able to provide options during the initial design stage to achieve 7 stars and beyond.
2. The orientation of the home and the positioning of the home on the block is an important consideration. Bearing in mind the shade and solar access will all contribute to an energy efficient home.
3. The size and placement of windows will contribute to the NatHERS rating considerably. Double and triple glazing are excellent options for improved energy efficiency. With more glazing options on the market, the cost of these have become much more achievable with many options now available.
4. Installing ceiling fans in all rooms is a simple method of improving the NatHERS rating as well as creating a home that is more comfortable and uses less energy during the warmer seasons.
5. Increasing the R value of wall, floor and ceiling insulation is another way to assist in achieving a 7-star home. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation will be at increasing thermal efficiency. The location of the insulation can also be considered to include, slab edges, garage walls and internal walls.
6. More internal doors within the home to create added ‘zones’ within the home can also contribute to an improved rating. Placing doors at the end of corridors, the bottom of stairs and used to close off occasionally used rooms such as rumpus and media rooms are all effective methods to keep the home warmer or cooler more efficiently.
7. By selecting lighter coloured roofs and external wall colours, NatHERS rating improvements can be achieved. Considering the colour of the window frames can also make a difference.
8. Avoid ceiling penetrations such as skylights and roof windows. It is important for a higher rating that insulation throughout the ceiling of the home is continuous.
Building a 7-star home presents a multitude of positive benefits that extend beyond energy efficiency. With the updated National Construction Code requiring new energy efficiency requirements, homeowners now have the opportunity to embrace sustainable construction practices and create environmentally friendly dwellings. From enhanced energy efficiency and improved indoor comfort to healthier living spaces, sustainable water usage, and increased property value, a 7-star home is a testament to our commitment towards a greener and more sustainable future.
