GREEN LIVING
Monash University Solar Decathlon Challenge Philip Alviano Sustainable Advisor
M
aster Builders is often asked to participate in various projects by providing information and advice informed through our member interactions. By participating in these projects, we contribute to our social obligations and assist members by being exposed to the latest information to enable improved construction outcomes. Master Builders has agreed to support the Monash Solar Decathlon Team (MSDT). This student team will represent Monash University at the annual US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Competition. Master Builders will assist by providing information and advice. This project’s objectives will deliver two fantastic outcomes. The first is to offer a solution to the current increasing housing problem for domestic violence survivors. It is a continually growing issue in Australia and widespread around the world, but it is also the leading cause of homelessness for women and children.
It is a temporary type of accommodation that offers a quality space.
In 2021, there were over 92,000 domestic violence cases in the state of Victoria alone, leaving 51,000 individuals homeless. Concerningly, 37 per cent of these were under the age of 18.
It is also a home dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing environment where its residents can begin to address the elements that led to their homelessness and rebuild their self-confidence which allows them to reconnect with the wider community.
They aim to construct a domestic violence transitional home.
The building will also meet several sustainability objectives.
This home is purposely designed to support its occupants’ transition from homelessness to permanent housing.
It will be built to the passive house standard and produce more energy than it uses.
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Master Builders Victoria
The materials will be carefully selected to reduce the embodied energy and their environmental impact. The goal is to create a design that can be prefabricated and easily transportable. It will act as a template for future social housing projects and emergency accommodation that improves the quality of living for the occupants, reduces the emissions of the buildings and improves the current standards of energy efficiency. If you’d like any further information, see www.monashsolardecathlon.com/
Volume 77 Issue 02
