How to Design a 7 Star Energy Rated Home: My Top Solutions

So, you're eager to understand the most effective strategies for achieving the new 7 star energy rating?

Well you're in the right place! In this article, I'll dive into the specifics of designing a home that meets these requirements, covering topics such as building orientation, construction system, insulation, glazing, and energy-efficient appliances. Along the way we will learn how 7 star accommodations don't have to break the bank, especially when integrated right from the beginning, during the design stage.

So without further ado, here are my top solutions for designing a 7 star energy rated home...

1. Building Orientation

In my experience, the orientation of your home is the number one most important factor in designing an energy-efficient home. Understanding the relationship between the movement of the sun over the course of the day and as the seasons change plays a fundamental role in reducing energy consumption. By maximising solar benefits and natural ventilation, you can achieve an energy-efficient home. 

Proper orientation ensures that your home receives adequate sunlight during winter and minimises heat gain during summer. This can significantly impact your home's energy rating and help achieve that coveted 7-star rating.

You may be wondering what "good orientation" really means?

In essence, it's about how your home sits in relation to the sun's journey and the typical wind patterns in your area. Usually, it's desirable to have your living spaces facing north, as these rooms bask in sunlight for the most part of winter days and can easily be shaded in the summer with the help of properly sized roof eaves and shading structures.

How vital is this good orientation to achieve the 7 star standard?
‍While advantageous, having a perfect orientation isn't strictly necessary. There's ample flexibility in the 7 star criteria, allowing a multitude of approaches to suit plots of all sizes and orientations. In scenarios where perfect orientation isn't feasible, such as apartments or residential estates, it's even more crucial to focus on skillful design and material choices that align with the local climate.

2. Construction System / Building Enclosure

Think of the construction system and building enclosure as the exoskeleton of your energy-efficient home. It's like a thermal shield, guarding your home against unnecessary heat exchange and reducing your energy consumption. Your choices, from the slab type to claddings, roofing, and insulation, play a pivotal role in this process, setting the tone for a comfortable indoor climate and optimal performance.

Walls

Let's cast a spotlight on your walls. The claddings and framing used should be carefully chosen to allow for maximum insulation. This includes selecting materials with a high insulation value and structuring the framing to minimise thermal bridges. Keep in mind that it's not just about the insulation between the frames, but the frames themselves can also be a significant source of heat transfer if not adequately addressed.

Roofing

The roof is a component often overlooked in energy efficiency discussions. There's more to it than meets the eye: colour, for instance, can greatly influence how much solar heat your roof absorbs. Lighter colours tend to reflect heat, keeping your home cooler in the summer. 

Insulation plays a key role in trapping heat in the winter and repelling it in the summer. Including sarking (a type of reflective foil used in roofs) can offer an additional barrier against heat transfer and prevent leaks. And let's not forget ventilation - a well-ventilated roof cavity can prevent overheating in summer and moisture accumulation in winter.

Insulation

High-performance insulation is another major consideration in achieving the coveted 7 star energy rating. There are many types of insulation to choose from, including under-roof, ceiling, and wall insulation. Remember, a substantial investment in top-tier insulation usually won't require a significant redesign of your home, but it can be a definitive step towards achieving a 7-star or better energy rating.

Slab

Last but not least, the slab of your house is more than just a foundation. A well-insulated concrete slab can be a major asset in reducing heating and cooling costs. 

Concrete slabs have a high thermal mass, meaning they can absorb, store and gradually release heat, thus helping to moderate indoor temperature fluctuations. This ability can be fully harnessed by appropriately insulating your slab to prevent unnecessary heat exchange with the ground, making your home more responsive to your heating and cooling needs.

3. Glazing Systems

We know that windows are major contributors to heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. Thus, a crucial aspect of designing a 7 star home involves making an informed choice about your windows. 

High Performance Glazing

High-performance glazing can minimise unwanted temperature shifts, rendering your home a sanctuary of comfort and reducing heating and cooling costs. Glazing options range from double or triple glazing, low-e glass, to thermally broken window frames.

Improved Framing

Now, imagine combining such high-performance glass with better window framing. The right frames, especially when paired with high-performance glass, can drastically reduce heat transfer, increasing the thermal efficiency of your windows. Hence, it's not just about the glass but also the frames holding them together.

Window Size and Positioning

And let's also not overlook the role of window size and placement in your home's energy efficiency. Ideally, windows should be thoughtfully positioned to capitalise on sunlight and natural ventilation, and their size should be proportionate to the room's needs for light and heat. 

Strategically positioned and sized windows can help capture cool breezes in summer while keeping the harsh winds at bay during winter, contributing significantly to your home's energy rating.

Similarly, the shape and operability of your windows also come into play. Consider options that offer effective ventilation, such as casement windows that can be fully opened, or louvre windows which allow you to control the amount of air entering the room. Proper ventilation can play a significant role in reducing reliance on artificial cooling.

Further Window Considerations

Finally, it's essential to remember that the journey to a 7 star home isn't just about the windows themselves but also about how they interact with the elements. Consider the orientation of the sun and plan shading solutions that allow you to leverage sunlight in the colder months, yet shield your home from overheating in the summer. 

Fixed or adjustable shading devices, like eaves, pergolas, or blinds, can aid in controlling the amount of solar heat entering your home.

Remember, every detail counts when it comes to creating a high-performing, energy-efficient home. A little extra attention to your window design, type, and placement can make a huge difference in not only achieving a 7 star rating but also making your home more comfortable and cost-effective in the long run.

Will double or high-performance glazing be a prerequisite for a 7 star home?
Though not a requirement, most homes will need to incorporate high performance glazing to a certain extent. Interestingly, homes with optimal orientation might be able to achieve 7 stars even with a limited amount of single glazing – it’s all about making smart building design choices that balance aesthetics with functionality and energy-efficiency.

Does a 7 star rating mean downsizing your windows?
Not at all! The energy efficiency provisions offer considerable flexibility when it comes to design, materials, and orientation, and don't impose any particular restrictions on window size. Clever choices with window style, glazing type, window coverings, and external shading can boost energy efficiency without downsizing your windows.

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Other Considerations for 7 Star Energy Rated Homes and Living a Sustainable Life

As we complete our journey towards a 7-star home, let's broaden our focus beyond just the building structure. An energy-efficient home is more than its walls, windows, or insulation; it's a system, with every component working harmoniously to reduce energy usage. This includes everything from the appliances you use, to the way you light your home, heat your water, and even how you manage your garden. 

Let's explore how making smart choices in these often-overlooked areas can bring us closer to our goal of sustainable, comfortable living.

• Beyond the fabric of your home, the appliances and systems you install play a pivotal role in your energy consumption and overall impact on the environment. Opting for energy-efficient appliances, including your heating and cooling systems, can significantly reduce energy use without compromising comfort or functionality.
• Think about lighting as well. The humble light bulb has come a long way, and today's energy-saving LED lights offer high-quality illumination with a fraction of the energy use.
• And don't forget about the sun's ability to provide not just light, but also heat. Solar hot water systems are a fantastic way to tap into this natural energy source, reducing reliance on electricity or gas.
• When it comes to water usage, every drop counts. Installing water tanks allows you to collect and use rainwater for gardening, washing cars, or even flushing toilets. Pair these with low water use taps that maintain strong water pressure while using less, and you're on your way to substantial water savings.
• Speaking of water, consider designing a low-water use garden. Choose local or drought-tolerant plants that thrive in our climate and design your garden to make the most of natural rainfall. This creates a beautiful outdoor space that's not just eco-friendly but also easy to maintain.

Every one of these measures may seem small in isolation, but collectively, they play a substantial role in your home's overall energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. These are the details that elevate a home from merely meeting the 7-star rating to truly embodying an ethos of sustainable living.

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The Case for Custom Building Design

At the end of the day, the best solution for achieving a 7-star energy-rated home is to have it custom-designed to make the best use of the site, ensuring that energy efficiency is inherent in the design from the conception stage.

Partnering with an experienced building designer like Realm Building Design can help you navigate the complexities of the 7-star energy rating requirements, resulting in a home that is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.

So, why not get in touch with us and start planning your dream energy-efficient home today?