Government Releases Free Energy Efficient Housing Designs

Innovative, energy-efficient housing designs can now be downloaded free from the Department of Industry and Science’s

YourHome.gov.au website.

Launching the Design for Place online suite of plans ahead of Sustainable House Day, Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Science Karen Andrews said the material was a great resource for anyone planning a new home.

“The Design For Place seven-star architect-designed plans put energy-efficient housing floor plans at everyone’s fingertips. The plans use sustainable design principles that will help people save energy and money, no matter where they live in Australia.”

Design For Place comprises a set of floor plans and elevations for a single storey house, available in three different versions depending on block size.

The resources include specifications and construction techniques to achieve a minimum seven-star energy rating in a range of climate zones across Australia.

Design For Place highlights seven areas to improve the energy-efficiency of a home: orientation, climate, natural daylight, sun shading, natural ventilation, liveability and thinking local.

“This initiative supports the use of more efficient home design by providing free information that is fully adaptable to meet the needs of specific projects and the different climates around Australia,” Mrs Andrews said.

“By building in elements like natural lighting, cross-flow ventilation and passive heating and cooling opportunities from the outset, homeowners can save on ongoing energy costs for years to come.”

The functional floor plans can be adapted to suit changes to lifestyle over time, and add to the comprehensive advice on building and renovating at YourHome.gov.au.

To view Design For Place and download the plans, visit 

www.yourhome.gov.au/house-designs.

Information on homes open across Australia for Sustainable House Day is available at www.sustainablehouseday.com