5 passive design tips for buyers, builders and renovators
As we move towards a more sustainable future, keeping your home comfortable is no longer just about using an energy-efficient heating system. Passive design can also play a crucial role in reducing heating and cooling costs, minimising environmental impact, and creating a more comfortable living space.
In Australia, all new homes must meet a 7-star NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) standard as of 2023, up from the previous 6-star requirement. This means new builds are now designed to be more thermally efficient, requiring less energy for heating and cooling.
If you're buying, building, or renovating a home, understanding passive design can help you reduce your energy bills and improve comfort all year round. Here are five clever ways to make the most of passive design in your home:
1. Optimise Your Floorplan
Let’s start with the most important aspect of your home in terms of passive design - the layout. It makes sense to harness the natural warmth of the sun when designing a home. In Australia, the ideal approach is to have a north-facing layout, particularly for the living areas.
Many people prefer an open-plan design for larger living spaces. This can work well as it allows sunlight to reach rooms that don’t face north. Open layouts can also help cool your home in summer as they enable cool breezes to flow freely through the larger areas. However, in winter open layouts can be harder to keep warm. You may need to consider some form of barrier between rooms, such as a sliding door. Far infrared heaters can also be useful in colder rooms, as you simply turn them on as needed. They heat up quickly and are energy-efficient. In short, it’s all about thoughtful planning.
2. Harness Solar Energy
If your home is already built, you can still improve how it captures and distributes solar heat through smart window placement, wall insulation, and flooring materials.
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Double-glazed or low-e glass windows reduce heat loss in winter and prevent overheating in summer.
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Thermal curtains or external shading (such as awnings and tree/bush coverage) help regulate indoor temperatures.
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Solar panels combined with battery storage allow you to power appliances, such as infrared panels, with renewable energy.
3. Install High-Quality Insulation
Proper insulation keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Roof, wall, and floor insulation significantly reduce energy use, making heating systems more efficient.
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Bulk insulation (such as batts or foam) is ideal for colder regions as it traps heat inside.
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Reflective insulation is better for hotter regions, reflecting radiant heat away from your home.
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If you need both functions, the market offers materials that can serve you well, just check their R-value. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.
4. Utilise Thermal Mass
Materials such as concrete, brick, and tiles absorb heat during the day and release it at night, helping to regulate indoor temperatures.
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For cooler climates use high-density materials such as concrete floors and brick walls to store heat and keep your home warm.
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For warmer climates opt for lighter materials or incorporate reflective coatings to prevent heat absorption.
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Polished concrete floors are particularly effective in passive solar homes, absorbing heat from the sun and releasing it gradually.
5. Improve Natural Ventilation
Good airflow helps cool your home naturally. Strategic window placement and cross-ventilation can make a significant difference.
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Position windows to align with prevailing breezes, allowing fresh air to circulate.
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Use louvre windows, ceiling vents, or stack ventilation to expel hot air.
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Install ceiling fans to complement passive cooling and improve air circulation.
Bonus: Consider Far Infrared Heating for Efficient Warmth
While passive design reduces heating needs, some additional heating is often required, particularly in winter. Infrared heating panels are an excellent energy-efficient solution, providing targeted warmth without heating the air. They heat people and objects directly, and use up to 65% less electricity than traditional electric heaters.
Considerations
If you’re building, renovating, or simply looking to cut down on energy bills, passive design is a smart and sustainable solution. By combining these five strategies with energy-efficient heating options such as infrared panels, you can significantly reduce your reliance on artificial heating and cooling, and meet the Australian legal requirements.
Not only will this save you money, but it will also help lower carbon emissions and create a more comfortable home all year round.
Now’s the time to embrace passive design and future-proof your home!