plumber brisbane

04/02/2012 21:01

When building a new home, energy efficiency is a common goal in design for both the architect and client. Lower energy bills each month obviously saves money. Considering how the new home will impact the environment is also a concern of several Brisbane architects, some of whom have specific design plans to build more eco-friendly homes.The government of Queensland, Australia has a special program called the Sustainable Home Program. This program is partnered with the Smart Housing initiative and is now called the Smart and Sustainable Home Program.  When designing a home, certain criteria are considered for the Smart and Sustainable design objectives. These objectives have what is referred to as a "triple bottom line" approach to sustainability: Social, economic, and environmental. The objectives are then applied to categories in building the house. These are site and landscape, dwelling access, general design, building materials and finishes, plumbing and drainage, electrical and lighting, kitchen design, bathroom/toilet design, bedroom design, laundry design, outdoor living area design, and garage and shed design.The Smart and Sustainable Homes program was designed specifically for the four climate zones in the  Queensland region of Australia. These are Zone 1. Tropical, Zone 2. Sub-tropical, Zone 3. Hot Arid, and Zone 4. Moderate Temperate. Brisbane is located in Zone 2. Brisbane architects will have to take this climate zone into consideration when using the Smart and Sustainable design objectives to design a home.Some features of an environmentally sustainable home are energy efficient water heating systems, rainwater tanks, and various solar energy systems. The house will be specifically designed to save money by using natural energy sources more than non-renewable energy sources. Some examples would be passive solar design features such as ventilation, insulation and shading, position of the house, and the proper use of building materials. Having energy efficient appliances installed in the home will also cut down on energy costs.The design objectives also take into consideration the impact that the home and construction will have on the environment. By limiting the amount of dirt that is removed and saving pre-existing plants and trees to replant after construction, the general topography of the site will remain the same. This will help with soil erosion and runoff. Proper landscaping, using native plants that don't require a great deal of watering or fertilizing, will help reduce the amount of water used and also avoid contamination by chemical fertilizers. Read more about plumber brisbane Choosing a build site that will need only minor changes to accommodate the home will reduce the need for extensive digging and filling, large tree removal, and alteration of water courses and drainage patterns.These homes are also designed with the use of natural light and ventilation as a big consideration in reduction of energy costs. Sky lights, north facing living areas and solar water heater panels will use the sun's energy during the day.  Aligning windows and doors will allow for cross ventilation and having at least two openings to the outside in living rooms and bedrooms will cut down on the use of air conditioning as will the use of ceiling fans. Certain materials, such as concrete floors and brick walls, will allow the home to be cooler in the summer and hold in heat for warmth in the winter.Taking all of these factors into consideration while designing your home will help the Brisbane architect create a home for you that will maximize the use of space and energy.  The Smart and Sustainable Home program will help the architect accomplish these goals and help save money for the Queensland area.  For more info visit plumber brisbane        

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