2904ENV

Sustainable Design Principles

Assignment 2: Making your home more sustainable

Matilda Kaveney
Urban and Environmental Planning Student
ID: S2891872
Due: 20th May by 13:00 hrs

TASK:
Having analysed how sustainable your home is in Assignment One your
client (the home owner) has now asked you to produce a proposal to
improve the overall environmental performance. It is unlikely that you will
be able to change all of the various elements that contribute to the
environmental impact of your home, but you may be able to change some
of them or you may be able to change your lifestyle to minimise your
environmental impact.

2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

Table of Contents
1.0 Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................... 3
2.0 Location ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Comprehensive Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Location ......................... 3
3.0 Orientation ............................................................................................................................................... 4
3.1 Comprehensive Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Orientation ................... 6
4.0 Windows and Doors .............................................................................................................................. 7
4.1 Comprehensive Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Windows and Doors . 7
5.0 Surrounding environment/ Shading Devices ............................................................................... 8
5.1 Critical Analyses of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of the Surrounding Environment
and Shading Devices ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
6.0 Ventilation ................................................................................................................................................ 9
6.1 Critical Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Ventilation ...................................... 9
7.0 Lighting ................................................................................................................................................... 10
7.1 Critical Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Lighting .......................................... 11
8.0 Wall, Roof and Floor Construction ................................................................................................. 12
8.1 Critical Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Wall, Roof and Floor
Construction ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12
9.0 Electrical and Gas Appliances and Renewable Energy ............................................................ 14
9.1 Critical Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Electrical and Gas Appliances
and Renewable Energies .............................................................................................................................................. 14
10.0 Water consumption and waste water ........................................................................................ 15
10.1 Critical Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Water Consumption and
Waster Water ..................................................................................................................................................................... 16
11.0 Household waste ............................................................................................................................... 16
11.1 Critical Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Household Waste .................... 16
12.0 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 16
13.0 References ........................................................................................................................................... 19

By Matilda Kaveney ID: S2891872

2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

1.0 Executive Summary

This report comprehensively analyses the dwelling of 6 Gilcrest Court determining
changes to be made to ensure it becomes more socially, environmentally and
economically sustainable. This report accompanies and expands on a previous report
identifying how sustainable the dwellings current condition is finding relative issues
that have been further addressed throughout this report. This report identifies the
impacts of potential improvements suggested identifying three that the dwelling would
benefit the most from. This process has been conducted for a range of elements
including location, orientation, windows and doors, surrounding environment/shading
devices, ventilation, lighting, wall, roof and floor construction, electrical and gas
appliances and renewable energies, water consumption and waste water and lastly
household waste.

2.0 Location

The previous assignment critically analysed the location of 6 Gilcrest Court identifying
that while the location is convenient in reference to resident proximity to facilities
(services and university) it poses sustainability, accessibility and safety concerns
specifically for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrian access to Griffith University was
identified as a significant implication for the location of the dwelling rendering walking
as an unsuitable travel mode for the specified residents unless issue areas are rectified.
These issues included negligence of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
(CPTED) and overexposed paths to sunlight, strong winds and areas prone to flooding.
A range of proposed changes have been comprehensively analysed to assess the
impacts of potential improvements on the dwellings location.

2.1 Comprehensive Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Location

As aforementioned the location of the dwelling suits the needs of the particular
residents. However in terms of thermal comfort levels and increasing sustainability the
dwellings location would benefit from been located on a flat surrounding surface
without overshadowing due to the surrounding topography. However this strategy is
neither practical nor probable therefore additional improvements and changes have
been identified. Additional objective benefits to incorporate if the dwelling remained in
the original location include, the utilization of public transportation if it became more
frequent and reliable, and provide higher more sustainable, CPTED walking paths to
maximize levels of accessibility and convenience throughout the local community.
These elements are similar to those found in Transit-Oriented Development, which is
currently the most effective development strategy proven to increase accessibility and
livability and increase residents qualities of life (Nasri & Zhang, 2014). The challenges of
achieving these benefits however are beyond the residents controls, although there is
an aspect of initiative that can be taken on board (Cervero & Sullivan, 2011; De Vos, Van
Acker & Witlox, 2014). Another objective benefit to consider due to the typography of
the site is efficient water catchment and an increase in sufficient drainage infrastructure
to cater for the changing climatic conditions increasing sub-tropical rainfall. Subjective
benefits include diminished safety concerns, more suitable, comfortable, designated
walking paths that still allow for physical activity and the additional benefit of
convenience.

By Matilda Kaveney ID: S2891872

2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

Another aspect of location to simply make a personal lifestyle more sustainable would
be to move to an area that can accommodate your needs more directly as your location
may be more suited to other residents. It is becoming more common for society to move
more frequently as personal needs change throughout the course of life. This in turn
changes your access to facilities and may have many objective and subjective benefits
that your previous place of residence could not achieve due to the location.

3.0 Orientation

Design elements of the dwelling were critically assessed in the previous assignment in
reference to orientation and exposure. The findings indicated a single, detached
dwelling structure consisting of 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, office, laundry, double
garage and 2 large living spaces. These rooms were categorised into zoned areas in
reference to thermal comfort levels and compared against expectations in a Passivhaus
dwelling (Figure 1). The bedrooms and living spaces were identified as the highest
priority zoning areas as the residents spend the majority of their time in these spaces.
Additionally areas such as the hallways, bathrooms and laundry were classified as
ancillary and the garage unconditioned rendering these spaces as areas of lower
priority in terms of thermal comfort design. Natural cooling factors of the dwelling are
inefficient and natural heating in winter is unutilised due to glazing placement and
orientation in reference to prioritised zones. This has been illustrated in the previous
assignment through a shadow analysis critically assessing the annual sun path changes
effects on thermal comfort levels of the dwelling.

By Matilda Kaveney ID: S2891872

2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

Figure 1: Ground Floor View of 6 Gilcrest Court, Zoning Areas, Revit Software 2015.

By Matilda Kaveney ID: S2891872

2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

3.1 Comprehensive Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of

Orientation

Objective and subjective benefits of changes to orientation have been comprehensively
analysed identifying the possible, practical and probable aspects of each suggested
change. The probability and practicality of adjusting a dwellings orientation in the same
location is possible but expensive and not advised for the dwelling in question. There
are many alternative changes that can contribute towards increasing thermal comfort
levels some are drastic involving the reorganization of rooms within the dwelling
through the processes of renovations, including removing walls and changing zoning
areas. This transformation particularly for families would be a challenge as renovations
of this proportion may involve moving out of the house while renovations are in
progress. Smaller and more affordable changes including, increasing sufficient
ventilation through the instillation of operable windows would be a more effective and
less challenging approach to improve sustainability levels. Additionally in the processes
of window fixture renovations sufficient insulation could be installed using wooden
frames as an alternative to the existing steel frames. This is further discusses in the
window section (Section 3.0).

Principles of good orientation designed by The Australian Governments guide to
environmentally sustainable homes, are proven to reduce or potentially eliminate the
need for auxiliary heating and cooling, reduces energy consumption and bills and
improves thermal comfort levels. Good orientation for passive cooling include blocking
the sun through specified species of taller vegetation that dont block lower breezes,
ensure that the direction of breezes is identified before changes are made (Figure 2).
Additional passive cooling techniques suggested for the dwelling to adopt for objective
and subjective benefits include night purging, one-way rood insulation, radiant cooling
and active cooling systems (Australian Government, 2013)

Figure 2: Passive cooling design for hot Australian climates, Australian Government
2013)
By Matilda Kaveney ID: S2891872

2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

4.0 Windows and Doors

Critical analyses of glazing location and orientation were identified in the previous
assignment determining poorly distributed glazing throughout the dwelling. The
northwest facing room (living area zone 2) is the main living area made predominantly
of windows that look out to an outdoor concrete entertainment area. This area is
subject to harsh sunlight from approximately midday until sunset increasing not only
air temperature and structural temperature, but also vision and privacy levels. This
indicates that the living space is still cooling down long after the sun has set regrettably
leaving it hot and uncomfortable to be in the room most summer evenings. An internal
influence that contributes to this discomfort is the lack of ventilation throughout the
kitchen space adding to the overall increase in temperature when cooking. Even with
the added reflective blinds there is no sufficient form of ventilation resulting in the
warmest room been closed off and avoided by the residents.
Glazing was identified in the previous study as the largest heat loss material and
element in the questioned dwelling. Results identified glazing as the largest with a u-
value of 5.515 indicating severe thermal performance inefficiency for the dwelling. The
Australian Governments guide to environmentally sustainable homes explains that
windows are a feature that allow light and air flow and offer views that contrast interior
spaces with the exterior environment. They identified specifically in the Australian
climate that windows are responsible for up to 40% of dwelling heat loss (winter) and
up to 87% in heat gains (summer).

4.1 Comprehensive Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Windows

and Doors

Changes to glazing orientation in the questioned dwelling have been identified as a
significant area that can dramatically change the thermal performance of the dwelling
and additionally improve the level of sustainability. This included minimizing the
amount of windows exposed to the northwestern side of the house; this can be changed
through the process of renovations. Less drastic approaches that are more possible and
practical with minimal challenges and have objective benefits include incorporating
operable windows, perhaps with double-glazing retrofitted into wooden frames as a
pose to the current steel frames. This would reduce the amount of heat into the dwelling
in summer whilst reduce the amount of heat released in winter. An additional element
to consider reducing is the level of reflective surfaces; this specifically refers to the
reflective tiles used in the outside patio area at the base of the glazing. This material
could be changed to wood, or perhaps even grass dramatically changing the levels of
reflective heat onto glazing. This change wouldnt be to challenging to achieve, as the
outdoor entertaining surface area is not large in scale and therefore would be
achievable. The plantation of more sufficient shade covering vegetation would also be a
beneficial low cost element that would contribute towards lowering direct sunlight and
heat. This would reduce the usage of blinds increasing aesthetic aspects to the dwelling
providing subjective benefits that are beneficial to the residents.

By Matilda Kaveney ID: S2891872

2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

5.0 Surrounding environment/ Shading Devices

The critical assessment identified that elements of the surrounding environment can
have sizeable effects on dwelling performance. In reference to the dwelling 6 Gilcrest
Court a significant issue involved the surrounding topographic elements of design. The
topography of the street results in one residents floor to be in line with the dwellings
wall height. This results in overshadowing issues affecting thermal comfort levels of
bedrooms and the right to privacy within personal homes. The north-western side of
the dwelling (living/dining) is the main living area made predominantly of windows
that look out to an outdoor concrete entertainment area. This area is subject to harsh
sunlight from approximately midday until sunset increasing not only air temperature
but structural temperature as well. This indicates that the living space is still cooling
down long after the sun has set regrettably leaving it hot and uncomfortable to be in the
room most summer evenings. An internal influence that contributes to this discomfort
is the lack of ventilation throughout the kitchen space adding to the overall increase in
temperature when cooking. In winter circumstances are different as the sun paths are
lower during these months.

5.1 Critical Analyses of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of the Surrounding

Environment and Shading Devices

The greatest source of heat gain in glazing and the most effective way to reduce this
heat gain is through shading tools including vegetation and shade sails. Although there
is a complication of installing fixed shading tools, as it can also block winter sunlight
from passively warming the dwelling (Australian Government, 2013). For 6 Gilcrest
Court effective shading technique for all seasons is of vital importance and involves the
construction of a pergola on the northwestern side that has deciduous vines allowing
for sun to get through in winter and block specifically glazing exposure in summer
(Figure 3). This shading device is not only practical by offers many subjective and
objective benefits including vegetative ability to absorb and reflect heat far more
efficiently than a shade sail, and the aesthetic aspect and value it adds to the dwelling
structure (Australian Government, 2013). This shading device would double as a nice
outdoor entertaining area, the space is available and minimal challenges would arise.
Another effective and simple change would be to incorporate wider eves on areas
requiring more shade painted a light colour to reflect excess radiation away from the
dwelling. These changes will increase thermal comfort levels particularly in prioritized
zones such as the living and dining spaces, create a more aesthetically appealing area,
residents will want to utilize the improved outdoor spaces as the comfort levels will
change dramatically. Also condensing shorter vegetation around the boundaries of the
garden will improve shading from afternoon sun and provide a sound and privacy
buffer. These are all aspects that can easily improve the performance of the dwelling
and without making extreme changes by just improving what exists, which in itself is a
more sustainable. Additionally the inclusion of fixed blinds or louvers allows for the
reflection of direct sunlight but has the ability to still allow air flow and light into the
dwelling, curtains for example be effective in shading however they block these aspects.

By Matilda Kaveney ID: S2891872

2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

Figure 3: External Shading Devices, Passive Design Australia, 2013

6.0 Ventilation

Currently the lack of ventilation is attributed to the location, orientation and window
placement of the dwelling structure. Changes in these areas have been suggested in the
previous potential improvement sections contributing to the aim to improve ventilation
throughout the dwelling using passive techniques. The current location of the dwelling
and its topographic landscape considerable affect the level of available ventilation. The
positioning and orientation presents issues with ventilation with the residents
currently having to open the garage door to allow any kind of airflow throughout the
house. Natural breezes are available but not utilized due to these aspects. Currently the
only form of circulation throughout the dwelling are ceiling fans, with only one in the
large living area and a fan in each of the bedrooms.

6.1 Critical Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Ventilation

The Australian climate is known as a reasonably hot climate and in order to be
comfortable within a dwelling it requires some form of cooling at some point
throughout the year. Passive cooling is the instillation of elements that utilise natural
breezes and allow for hot air to escape from indoor areas. Minimising heat gains to
increase levels of efficiency can be achieved through air movement, cooling breezes,
evaporation, earth coupling and reflection of radiation (Australian Government, 2015).
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2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

The development of a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery is the most
drastic change that would contribute towards complete passive cooling. Although by
incorporating operable windows and strategic vegetation plantations the increase in
ventilation throughout the dwelling would increase dramatically (Figure 4). With all the
additional aspects and changes that objectively and subjectively benefit the dwelling
structure such as changes in window placement, sky lighting and the instillation of an
effective pergola, minimal changes would need to occur as theses issues area all
connected.

Figure 4: Redirecting air flow for optimum ventilation, Passive Design Australia, 2013

7.0 Lighting

Due to the interior room layout of the dwelling, natural light is not utilised to its full
potential which has resulted in an over usage of electricity contributing to higher
energy costs for the residents. This is largely attributed to the orientation of the
dwelling as morning sun is not utilised and afternoon sun is blocked attempt to reduce
extensive heat gain particularly in summer. Due to the residents of the dwelling been 5
university students laziness tends to become a significant factor affecting energy
efficiency, as most do not turn lights off when they leave a room. This results in lights
been left on for extended periods of time when the room is not in use. The dwelling does
have a small skylight although this skylight is poorly placed in the corner of the second
lounge room. It is effective in letting in small amounts of light however there is no
energy efficient aspect of the design.

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2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

7.1 Critical Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Lighting

As aforementioned natural lighting in 6 Gilcrest Court is poorly integrated into the
design of the dwelling resulting in inefficient, unsustainable, over usage of artificial light
sources. In terms of allowing more natural light into the dwelling there are many
improvement opportunities including the previous discussions on moving or adjusting
window placement and the possibility to integrate a pergola for all its subjective and
objective benefits. Another aspect of design that is possible and practical to incorporate
is an efficient skylight design that is effective in utilising natural lighting whilst
contributing towards thermal comfort levels particularly in winter. The Australian
Government (2013) identifies skylights as a major contributor to energy efficiency and
comfort when installed in new and existing homes in the Australian guide to
environmentally sustainable homes. Skylights have the ability to emit more then three
times as much light as a vertical window of the same size whilst dispersing the natural
light evenly throughout a space (Australian Government, 2013, Figure 5). Skylights are
an effective alternative to extending regular windows, as the natural lighting level is so
much higher, and it more suitable to homes concerned about privacy. Skylights can be in
the for of a window using all energy efficient window technologies but can also come in
the form of acrylic and single glazed opal moulded units. The objective benefits of
integrating an effective skylight in the second living room space of the dwelling would
eliminate the use of artificial lighting during the day and subjectively increase the
residents moods. Some further research into whether skylights should additionally be
installed into the bedrooms that face the southeastern side would be beneficial as these
spaces thermal comfort levels are diminished due to the lack of natural lighting and
warming.

Figure 5: Skylight integration into living spaces, Passive Design Australia, 2013
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2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

8.0 Wall, Roof and Floor Construction

The critical analyses of the previous assignment assessed the walls, roof, floor and
glazing elements against how efficient in heat loss and gains through a u-value measure.
The u-values refer to the materiality of the dwelling and provide an overall heat transfer
co-efficient that measures heat transfer and the materials effectiveness (RIBA, 2015).
The higher the u-value the more inefficient the thermal performance of the material is.
The following graph (Figure 6) indicates heat loss in specified conditions identifying
glazing as the most inefficient followed by floor, walls and the roof. The floor, walls and
roof components are significantly lower indicating productive thermal performance,
however the identification of extensive sun exposure in summer contributes towards
the often uncomfortable thermal comfort elements associated with the orientation of
the dwelling.

Figure 6: Heat Loss Per Material for 6 Gilcrest Court, Molendinar 4214, QLD.

8.1 Critical Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Wall, Roof and
Floor Construction

Thermal performance is lacking in the questioned dwelling significantly as it is built to
cater for a sub-tropical climate but lacks sufficient insulation to keep excessive heat out
in summer and keep warm air in winter. Glazing was identified as the largest
contributing factor, changes and the benefits have been identified in Section (3.0).
Environmental factors that influence thermal comfort include hot air temperatures and
high humidity during summer with a lack of air movement throughout the dwelling due
to the orientation and location of the building. Radiation contributes through design
features such as the adjoining roof height boundary wall that radiates sun for up to 5
hours a day into bedrooms. The following Figure (7) illustrates the potential heat losses
and gains that are common in residential dwelling structures. Changes that can be made

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2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

to reduce these impacts include the instillation of thicker insulation in the roof, with the
possibility to also increase insulation in walls if minor renovations occur. Two different
forms of insulation could be installed to reduce energy consumption include bulk
insulation. This form resists conducted and convected heat transfer relying on air
pockets within the dwelling structure (Australian Government, 2013). This thermal
resistance is effective in both directions of heat flow. An additional insulation method to
consider is reflective insulation that resists heat flow due to its reflectivity levels. This
insulation requires a particular air layer of at least 25mm to be effective (Australian
Government, 2013). A Passivhaus design encompasses a mechanical ventilation system
with heat recovery also contributing to the improvement for the current ventilation
issues. However the installation of this system is expensive particularly to an existing
dwelling structure.

Figure 7: Winter and Summer heat losses and gains, Australian Government 2013.

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2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

9.0 Electrical and Gas Appliances and Renewable Energy

The critical analyses on the dwellings electrical and gas appliances identified some
major elements that largely contribute towards the dwellings electricity bills. The
largest costing elements include a hot water system, 2 refrigerators, 2 air conditioners,
a hot plate, dishwasher and washing machine (Figure 8). The annual projection for the
household identified 23,500 kWh per annum with an average of 4,700 kWh per person.
These figures were compared to the average energy usage in the same suburb of SEQ
and same household make-up (5 persons). This comparison identified individual annual
consumption in a 5 person household consumed up to 9,984 kWh annually suggesting
that personal consumption rates are not to extreme.

Figure 8: Largest Costing Elements in the dwelling 6 Gilcrest Court, Molendinar.

9.1 Critical Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Electrical and Gas
Appliances and Renewable Energies

The dwelling would significantly benefit from changes made to the top 6 largest costing
elements of the dwelling as adjusting these would reduce energy consumption and
reduce the households carbon footprint. The largest energy costing elements identified
in Figure 8 shows that the hot water systems accounts for 45% of energy consumption
in the dwelling. This aspect has large consequential impacts on the environment and
energy cost of the dwelling. Changing this aspect of the dwelling alone could have huge
impacts on increasing the sustainability of the dwelling. This could include the
instillation of a solar hot water system effectively using an alternative sustainable
resource specifically effective to Australia. The implementation of this system would
allow for hot water energy prices to reduce and eventually begin to repay other
electrical expenses providing a more sustainable home and cheaper cost of living. The
investment in solar has become a more affordable process as the popularity of the

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2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

systems have increased only encouraging insulation in residential homes. Due to the
location and direct sunlight the current dwelling is exposed to, a solar hot water system
and perhaps overall solar would be extremely beneficial and lead towards a far more
sustainable home. This change is not only possible, practical and probable but presents
a range of subjective benefits contributing towards the residents feeling better about
the way they are consuming energy and water supplies and the objective benefits of
reducing dwelling energy and water bills. Refrigerator usage can only really be changed
through the purchasing of a newer more energy efficient fridge, due to the house being
a rental property this is unlikely to happen. Another aspect to consider to improve the
dwellings performance is the constant use of quick, or energy/water saving cycles for
the dishwasher and washing machines.

10.0 Water consumption and waste water

As aforementioned in the previous Section 8.0 the instillation of a solar hot water
system would be effective in reducing energy consumption levels. Water consumption
levels were evaluated over a 7-day week period identifying a total consumption of 4.785
L. This figure has been broken down into designated wet areas these include, bathroom
(shower, bath, toilet, taps), kitchen (dishwasher, taps), laundry (washing machine,
taps), garden (taps) and car (occasional washing). Total water consumption areas are
illustrated in the following graph indicating which areas use the largest amounts or
water within the household (Figure 9).

Figure 9: Weekly Water Consumption for 6 Gilcrest Court, Molendinar.

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2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

10.1 Critical Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Water

Consumption and Waster Water

Potential improvements that are practical and possible include the instillation of water
saving fittings particularly in the bathroom as this area has been identified as the
largest water consuming area. This would include water saving tap fittings, shower
heads, water saving cycles on washing machines, less car washing and the instillation of
a rainwater tank that can be used to water the garden and perhaps in the toilets of the
dwelling. Been able to adjust your lifestyle to be more efficient and have a smaller
impact on the environment has subjective benefits on the users as it encourages a new
look on the planet making residents feel accomplished. The objective benefits include
reducing water consumption levels and bills whilst maximizing the effectiveness of the
dwelling.

11.0 Household waste

Resource consumption fell under the category of services in the ecological footprint
calculator that identified services percentage of my personal consumption levels to be
24%. The critical analyses identified that shelter contributes 12% towards my
ecological footprint due to its single detached dwelling structure, size of property house
is on and amount of rubbish produced as well as the processes conducted to remove
and dispose of waste products.

11.1 Critical Analysis of the Impacts of Potential Improvements of Household

Waste

Potential improvements to reduce waste levels are difficult as the government has a
system of disposal that cannot be controlled by individuals of a particular dwelling.
However there are small changes that can easily integrated into a residential home to
reduce the impacts on the environment. These include the instillation of a compost bin
to dispose of all raw materials more sustainably to be used as fertilizer for the garden
and to be more effective in proper recycling processes. These again are very easy to
install into a residential dwelling at minimal cost to the residents although has many
subjective and objective benefits.

12.0 Conclusion

As previously aforementioned there are many potential improvements that could be
made to the dwelling in question in order to make it more suitable for the residents and
sustainable with smaller effects on the environment. Three changes were identified as
the most possible, probable and practical and have many objective and subjective
benefits not only for the dwelling but also for the residents that occupy it. These include
the construction of a pergola with integrated deciduous vines growing on it, an
adjustment of window placement and changes in window fittings and framing and lastly
the instillation of a solar hot water system and integration of water saving fittings.
The pergola will predominantly cover the northwestern side of the dwelling reducing
the severe impacts of afternoon sun that heavily contribute to thermal comfort levels
additionally contributing to the reduction of air conditioners and fans reducing energy

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2904 Sustainable Design Principles Assignment 2

consumption levels in summer (Figure 10). The pergola will have a deciduous vine
growing of it allowing for extensive shade cover on a large amount of glazing in summer
whilst allowing for afternoon sun in winter to still be optimised. The instillation of the
pergola increases privacy levels with the added opportunity to increase vegetation on
the boundaries for more shade and privacy. This would additionally cover the large
tiled outdoor entertaining area that is responsible for a large amount of sun and heat
reflectivity onto glazing. This will dramatically reduce the impact of direct and reflective
heat gain specifically in summer enhancing thermal comfort levels.
Window placement may not such a significant factor once the pergola is installed
however changes in window fittings and framing is desperately needed as the dwellings
glazing is accountable for severe amounts of heat gain and loss. The integration of
double glazed windows with wooden frames would significantly improve thermal
comfort levels and the amount of energy required to heat and cool prioritised zones.
However there is room to adjust window placements to increase the level of lighting in
particular areas of the dwelling as well as increasing ventilation. The integration of a
skylight perhaps in the second living space would allow for vast amounts of natural
lighting reducing the amount of artificial lighting needed. If the skylight windows were
operable they would have a significant impact on ventilation allowing for hot air to be
released forcing cooler air into the dwelling through the windows potentially creating a
natural cooling vacuum. This vacuum would have significant benefits for the residents
and the sustainability levels of the existing dwelling increasing airflow and reducing
energy consumption.
The third and final change includes the instillation of a solar hot water system to reduce
the largest costing element of the household. This would benefit the household
significantly as 45% of the dwellings costs pay for the current hot water system. This
integration could potentially reduce the dwellings energy bills by 45% once established
whilst only heating water as it is needed. Additionally water saving fittings would be
installed throughout the house to reduce the amount of water used therefore the
amount of water requiring heating. These changes to efficient water usage will
significantly impact the dwellings water costs and reduce the amount of water they use
quite substantially.
These three changes are all very practical and possible however costs of integration
would be the most significant factor in resident resistance to making these changes. The
impacts these changes would have on the dwellings sustainability levels would be
dramatic and highly beneficial. It could also be argued that these changes will
significantly reduce energy and water consumption levels and potentially start paying
for itself as the dwelling would be producing its own energy, natural ventilation and
cooling systems.

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Figure 10: Proposed Pergola Placement for 6 Gilcrest Court Dwelling Improvements.

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13.0 References

Australian Government, 2013, Your Home, Australias Guide to Environmentally
Sustainable homes, Passive Design Solutions, Available:
<http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design>.
Cervero, R. & Sullivan, C. 2011, Green TODs: marrying transit-oriented development and
green urbanism, International Journal of Sustainable Development & World
Ecology, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 210-18.

De Vos, J., Van Acker, V. & Witlox, F. 2014, The influence of attitudes on Transit-Oriented
Development: An explorative analysis, Transport Policy, unpublished.

Nasri, A. & Zhang, L. 2014, The analysis of transit-oriented development (TOD) in
Washington, D.C and Baltimore metropolitan areas, Transport Policy, vol. 32, no. 1,
pp. 172-9.
Parry, C. 2014, Passivhaus in Australia, in Environmental Design Guide, Australian
th
Passive House Association, Date Viewed: 20 March 2015, Available:
<http://passivehouse.com.au/cms/tinymce/filemanager/library/EDG_79_CP_pa
ssivhaus.pdf>.

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