BE8.6 HOUSE

Designer: Greg McNeil, Bios Design

Assessor: Fleur Pitman, Eco Select

Project cost estimate: $626,251

House size: 240 sqm

Energy rating: 8.6 stars

BE8.6 House is designed to provide the modern family a lifestyle they aspire to, with two indoor living spaces, four bedrooms, ensuite, bathroom and inviting outdoor areas. The second living area has been included to optimise the home by providing a flexible space for a small study, for growing families and changing family dynamics over the life of the home.

Passive solar design principles have been used including cross ventilation for cooling and heat purging as well as a raised ceiling and highlight glazing to the living room, achieving solar access to the northside which is overshadowed by the neighbouring property.

Using principles from the Liveable Housing Design Standards, including step-free path access, flush thresholds and clear, wide entry points for doorways and hallways will enable the home to be adapted by its occupants. The hobless open showers, “care” type fixtures and larger bedrooms providing circulation space will also cater for the residents’ access and mobility needs over time.

The landscaped zones around BE8.6 House are very adaptable, with the northeast corner being used as a lawned play area for young children or adapted for outdoor entertaining or lifestyle through accessible raised garden beds for the elderly.

Intentional internal sightlines are incorporated through BE8.6 House to the garden, and the landscaping works in unison with the home to reflect modern indoor/ outdoor living. The location of the garden shed, water tank, clothesline and plant and equipment have also been carefully considered to be subtly screened.

High-performance, low-maintenance windows are sized and located strategically to optimise the home’s privacy and passive thermal performance. Plumbing and electrical services are predominantly located to internal walls or outside the thermal envelope or, in some cases, double studs are used for the kitchen and recessed meter board.

BE8.6 Home will be a naturally comfortable, light, spacious and healthy home to live in using zero/low VOC finishes, paints and adhesives. It will create a haven to nurture the wellbeing of the occupants with the private living and outdoor spaces allowing a family to have a secure and relaxed lifestyle.

BE8.6 House can be modified for a standard subdivision block with adaptable design options to suit different orientations and the 8.6-star energy rating and Whole-of-Home performance provide for current and future regulatory climate, maintaining excellent value and capital growth as a family’s most important long-term asset.

The home is all electric with energy efficient appliances, heat pump hot water, induction cooktop and 15kw solar panels. Fully-zoned ducted reverse-cycle heating and cooling has been provided (a common request with more people working and studying from home). Zoning of the bedrooms and living rooms has been designed to reflect the modern family lifestyle and very low maintenance materials have been selected for the façade, windows and other external elements.

A comprehensive analysis was done to optimise energy efficiency performance against capital investment, buildability and aesthetic appeal (both external and internal liveability). Retractable blinds to living room windows and a retractable horizontal awning to the alfresco provide for 100% solar control benefit.

This home provides a market-ready sustainable solution, positioned to take advantage of the environmental changes and a warming climate with a very low need for cooling and excellent winter passive solar gain. The 8.6-star energy rating and the negative energy cost of -$182 for annual energy use will drive demand for this home as families seek confidence in the operational cost of running their home.