Are you considering building a Passive or Energy Efficient house?
If so, you are making a wise choice for both your wallet and the environment. Before you dive headfirst into your Energy Efficient home project, it’s crucial to start with the right foundation. As the Director of Energy Efficient Homes Ltd, I’ve helped many embark on this journey, and I can’t stress enough the importance of the initial steps, beginning with your choice of land.
Why does land matter? Because not all properties are created equal when it comes to Energy Efficiency. The orientation of your house relative to the sun is a critical factor that can significantly impact the effectiveness of the passive elements in your home. Unfortunately, many developers of subdivisions often overlook this crucial consideration. As a result, it’s essential to take the time to evaluate potential land options and consult with experts like us before making a purchase.
Before you rush to secure your piece of land, ask yourself the following questions:
How do we want the house to function?
What is important to us in our lifestyle?
How much outdoor living space do we require?
What is the minimum/maximum site coverage?
What are the design restrictions?
What type of ground is it, TC1, TC2, TC3?
What extra costs are involved in this particular area?
Where does the sun rise and where does it set?
How will the easterly wind affect our outdoor living in the summer?
Do we choose a North to South section or an East to West?
What extra costs are involved in this particular area?
Where does the sun rise and where does it set?
Once you’ve found the right piece of land, you’re ready to dive into the design process. How your house functions is paramount in creating an Energy Efficient home. In the winter, you want to maximise direct sunlight, but during the scorching summer months, you want to avoid excess heat. Achieving this balance is a delicate task that requires the expertise of a skilled Architect or designer.
Select an Architect or designer who understands how to shade your home correctly. Ideally, they should be trained in passive house design and have experience in crafting energy-efficient homes. Conventional design school emphasise aesthetics, often overlooking the functional aspect of design. This is why, at Energy Efficient Homes Ltd, we employ and train our own in-house Architects and designers. As Steve Jobs once said, “Good design is how something functions, not how it looks.” We firmly believe that a home should both function well and look beautiful, and that’s what we strive to achieve in our projects.
While there are certainly knowledgeable and skilled designers out there, it’s essential to involve experts who are well-versed in passive house principles and Energy Efficient building methods. It’s not uncommon for people to approach me with plans from Architects who claim expertise in Energy Efficient design, only to discover significant design flaws when I evaluate the plans.
Building an Energy Efficient home is a multifaceted process that starts with choosing the right land and involves collaborating with a knowledgeable team of professionals who can guide you through the design and construction phases. By prioritising functionality alongside aesthetics, you can create a home that not only conserves energy but also enhances your quality of life. So, take your time, do your research, and make informed decisions from the very beginning. Your future Energy Efficient home will thank you for it.
