As most people in the building sustainability industry, have already felt the pinch of the new BASIX thermal comfort targets and how they impact on dwellings being built across NSW.
As many clients are contacting me on how to improve their designs and making them BASIX friendly, here are some of the tips;
1. An obvious one, however cannot be omitted. Window area to wall area ratio need to be kept in check. For standard constructions used, if the walls are made off about 25% window area, generally speaking in the Sydney region, cheap glazing options can be used to obtain compliance.
2. Add thermal mass where possible. Generally speaking again, the more the thermal mass the better, so go for concrete slabs and brick internal walls. Also brick veneer constructions are performing quire well.
3. Use hard materials for floor coverings on slab on ground, especially when cooling loads are an issue. Carpets and timber floors act as an insulator and heat cannot escape to the ground.
4. Window frame color tone can be very critical, so for more economical results, try to accommodate variations in color scheme.
5. Framed constructions, generally speaking are under-performing in the Sydney region especially coupled with large window areas. This is a NO NO scenario.
6. Be open to external window shading devices, such as louvres, blinds, hoods. They all provide great protection at the right orientations and can reduce glazing requirements dramatically.
7. Depending on dwelling configuration various other parameters do apply as well, however keep in mind that the longer and more narrow the building is, the poorer it will perform. So wherever possible design as close to the square shape a possible.
Hopefully the above information is useful. For more information please do contact me at info@aenec.com.au.
Dimitri Harakidas
AENEC
ABSA Accredited Assessor