4 Features of a High Performing Modular Home – Passive Design, Materials & More
Image: Fish Creek House
Sustainable
Features.
What Makes a Sustainable Home?
When it comes to designing and building a sustainable home we think of the future, considering energy use, location, insulation and building materials and how they can be used for a home that will positively impact you for generations to come. Read on to learn 4 inclusions of a sustainable Arkular home.
1. Passive Design
The Un-certified but ‘Damn Near’ Passive House
High-performing & energy efficient, Arkular homes employ Passive Design principles including optimised orientation, shading, high grade insulation, double-glazing and increase air-tightness.
How we achieve high performing homes:
1. Orientation – architecturally considered, passively designed orientation to all homes to maximise sun, wind & light
2. High-quality insulation and thick walls – keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer with high grade wall, floor and ceiling insulation
3. Shading – we optimise orientation and utilise eaves, awnings and shutters depending on the location and specific project requirements
4. Double glazing – we choose the right glazing depending on climate and orientation, with double glazing as an Akular standard
5. Air tightness – we maximise ventilation whilst controlling unwanted air leaks with airtight construction detailing
View our passively designed Huon Valley House here which includes 140 mm thick stud walls, a heat recovery system, air tightness at Passivhaus standard (0.6ach @50Pa), unilux Isostar Aluminium clad UPVc frames with triple glazing and more.
2. It’s All in the Materials
At Arkular, we carefully select high-performing building materials for healthy, energy efficient, durable and climate-smart homes.
The central pillar of all high performing Arkular home is insulation. Whether it’s hot or cold, a house with high thermal resistance is better able to maintain its interior temperature compared with one that’s poorly insulated. At Arkular, we choose high grade insulation for the floors, walls and ceilings for maximum thermal comfort.
We prioritise Low-VOC timber, paints, adhesives, sealants, formaldehyde-free products and sustainably sourced materials such as timber, stone and leather
We also recommend using products within your home made from natural plant-based materials to help lower greenhouse emissions and minimise contact with harmful chemicals.
3. A Bright Idea – Energy Efficiency to Save the Planet & your Pocket!
Less house, more home. At Arkular we prioritise Energy Efficient LED lighting and renewable systems to reduce energy consumption and optimise orientation, insulation and glazing to maximise thermal comfort.
Energy plays a major role in Australian households, which use a variety of energy sources for heating, cooling, cooking, entertainment and transport. In 2018–19, households consumed 10.5% of Australia’s total energy (Australian Energy Update, 2020).
To assist in managing your energy consumption, we recommend using energy-efficient features and systems including:
– Maximum star-rated electrical appliances
– Electricity usage meter
– Energy E LED Lights
– Grid-connected Solar Power Systems
– Upgrading to an electric reverse cycle split system. This is the most energy-efficient, lowest-cost heating option available, whilst also generating low greenhouse emissions.
4. Flexibility, Adaptability & Durability
Responding to your needs both now and in the future. Our homes are customised to you and your lifestyle, enhancing liveability and providing versatility and flexibility for changing needs.
Clever Floorplans
We take great care in crafting a floorplan that works for you, your lifestyle and your family, enhancing livability and flexibility. These considered floorplans are highly functional and can be adapted for your needs as the years progress.
Considered Modular Architecture
Flexibility is the true strength of modular designed homes. Every site presents its own unique challenges and opportunities, so we tweak and tailor the design until it’s made to fit you to the location, budget and lifestyle. Our designs can also be modified for tight and steeply sloping sites if necessary.
