The Challenge

With the minimum compliance for Australian homes at 6 stars, the brief was to design a home that goes beyond 10 stars in order to demonstrate what is possible when contemporary construction materials and techniques are combined with thoughtful design. We wanted to provide a tangible experience for the public, so that they may come to appreciate the substantial benefits beyond a star rating of a truly energy-efficient home. Collaboration with industry professionals has demonstrated that the increase in dialogue around the pioneering construction methodology assists in empowering homeowners to reconsider their priorities of form and function with performance.

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The Solution

It is a first for Australia to have an internationally aligned smart 10/10 star home exceeding performance expectations and providing the most healthy indoor environment to date. Supported by social theory, advanced technology and immersive education, the design principles of the 10 Star Home primarily explore climate, orientation, sun and shade, thermal mass, airtightness and ventilation. The home is designed to use 3MJ/m2 annually for heating and cooling at a comfort level of 22 degrees. Ultimately an evolutionary process, expertise was folded in at every opportunity with stakeholders gaining an integrated understanding of the project along the way.

The Impact

The 10 Star Home’s design used an internationally aligned solution to support passive design principles to their greatest possible effect. Our partnerships with the industry have given us an opportunity to push for a more climate and future-ready housing market. The home intentionally focuses on the minimisation of wasteful and toxic construction materials and the impact CO2 emissions have in the construction process. The reiterative feedback of data is being provided to governing bodies, associations, industry and community, allowing benchmarks to be raised and therefore the collective emissions to be lowered.

Other Key Features

• ​10 Star Energy Rating (annual heating and cooling energy requirement of just 0.83 kWh/m2)
• The passive design keeps indoors 22-26 degrees all year round
• Airtight home fitted with an HRV system ensuring clean, dust & allergen-free air 24/7
• Low VOC & healthy materials used throughout
• Triple-glazed windows & doors including automated clerestory windows
• Smart Home Automation - When the home senses the temperature fluctuating away from 18C-22C, it will open or close windows, control exterior blinds, and turn on fans as needed
• 5KW Solar Panel System with a 4KW battery storage (ability to be off-grid long term)
• EV Lunic Charger for electric vehicles
• Super-insulated, R10 in the roof and R6 in the walls
• Polished concrete floors