ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME DESIGN

Energy efficient homes specifically designed for your site and your requirements. Your customised Balance Home is truly living in harmony with the environment.

PASSIVE HEATING

Large windows along the north-face allow winter sun to stream into our energy efficient Balance Homes. This warms the thermal mass incorporated in the concrete raft slab and solid internal walls, providing passive heat.

Fig 1.0: Illustrates the angle of the sun on the winter solstice (June 22) which floods into the living areas of Balance Homes.

Fig 1.0	Fig 2.0

PASSIVE COOLING
In Summer, louvred canopies and eaves provide shading in all Balance Home designs. South windows encourage air to flow from the cool side of the house and escape out of the high openings on the north side. Southern courtyards with the cool rainwater storage and garden area (possibly with a water feature) create a cool zone that opens on to the kitchen/living area.

Fig 2.0: Illustrates the angle of the sun on the Summer Solstice (December 22) indicating the Balance Home is fully shaded.

ROOF DESIGN
Roof vents help Balance Homes "breathe" and not only cool the house in summer but create a ventilated, dry and healthy environment. Layered roof construction of Colorbond corrugated iron lined with 50mm building blanket, an air space then R4 bulk insulation and a gyprock ceiling maximises insulation and ventilation. A north-facing roof wing provides for the solar water heater and photovoltaic solar panels.

WALL DESIGN
All external layered walls have double insulation, including bulk insulating batts, sisalation and Air Cell. External wall cladding options include Hebel Power Panel, cement sheet, corrugated iron, mini-orb and Eco-ply.

Internal wall construction can include;
- Solid plastered concrete brick
- 90mm timber frame with bulk insulation
- Other solid feature walling eg stone/rammed earth

WINDOWS
Energy efficient windows in Balance Homes incorporate timber frames or aluminium framing with thermal breaks. Smart Glass or double glazing allows sunlight in during the day but reduces the amount of heat escaping from the living areas in winter.

WATER
Rainwater collected through a dry system to a series of filters linked to a 22,500-litre storage tank can be plumbed under pressure to the home. There is provision for extra water storage in Balance Homes.

SOLAR WATER HEATING & ELECTRICITY GENERATION
Solar water heaters are standard in Balance Homes and clients have the option of installing photovoltaic panels.

HOUSE ENERGY RATING
Balance Homes independently assessed using the 'First Rate’ house energy rating system have achieved 8 and 9 stars.