The word “sustainability” has certainly had an interesting journey in the past few decades, for better or for worse, but it seems quite clear that there are real, tangible benefits for homeowners who consciously embrace energy-efficient principles. Not only are energy-efficient and eco-friendly homes better for keeping more of your hard earned money in your pockets, but they can greatly benefit the environment as well.
Below are five design ideas to consider for your dual occupancy home:
01. Integrate Solar PV Systems
The solar panels of 10-20 years ago were quite cumbersome and somewhat inefficient, in addition to being quite expensive. A lot has changed since then and photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems are now more practical, efficient, and affordable than ever before.
So much has changed that these new solar PV systems can easily supplement – or in radical cases, even outright replace – the need for grid energy. Solar panels can be easily fitted along the roof surface of dual occupancy homes to provide clean, renewable energy whilst greatly cutting down on energy bills.
Moreover, the plentiful sunlight that Australia is blessed with is put to good use for your home, ensuring minimal downtime and days with limited generation.
02. Insulate and Reduce Heat Loss
Another great way to maximise energy efficiency and to reduce the need for non-renewable energy to heat or cool your home is to ensure that it’s properly insulated. Building a brand new dual occupancy home from scratch is one of the best opportunities to ensure that the design is as heat-efficient as possible; for older homes it’s still possible, of course, but may require quite a bit of remodelling work.
Try to get your builder to use continual spaces where there are limited or no gaps in insulation along the walls and other surfaces, opt for double-glazed windows, and use sturdy and secure doors that also have good thermal retention qualities.
03. Maximise Water Conservation
Water is a precious resource and many areas of Australia are prone to droughts of (what seems like) increasing severity and frequency. Any efforts to reduce water consumption are certainly good for protecting reserves and aquifers, and home consumption is naturally one of the first places to consider this.
A few simple and effective ways to reduce water consumption in your dual occupancy home are to switch out real grass for synthetic turf and to plant flowers or vegetables that don’t require too much water. Low flow plumbing fixtures and eco-friendly appliances, particularly washing machines, can also greatly reduce water consumption.
04. Choose Sustainable Building Materials
Building your home out of sustainable materials can greatly enhance its appearance whilst reducing its carbon footprint. Whenever possible, seek builders that source building materials locally or within your state/territory, consider recycled building materials when appropriate, and try to find ways to use reclaimed, recycled wooden features such as for garden beds or trellises.
05. Communal Gardening Spaces & Greenery
While we did mention that limiting the use of real grass and water-intensive flora above, it doesn’t mean you can’t use any greenery at all. Indeed, homes should have quite a bit of green space, and gardens such as shared or private gardens for one or both of your properties can be eco-friendly, especially if put to use such as for planting vegetables and herbs.
Trevor Homes is proud to offer expert building services, including our experienced builders in Deer Park who ensure precision and quality in every project. Our trusted builders in Endeavour Hills specialize in creating homes that combine functionality with style. For unmatched craftsmanship, our reliable builders in Footscray deliver innovative solutions tailored to your needs.
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