Imagine energy-efficient buildings maintaining a comfortable 20-25°C year-round, with daily heating and cooling costs as low as $2-$3.
Whether striving for Passivhaus design excellence or simply aiming for better-than-average buildings, Energy Efficiency Perth excels in crafting energy-efficient, cost-effective envelopes for healthier, cozier living.
We employ six design principles
- Passive Solar Design
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- Five Modern "Building Science" Principles
1 - Thermal insulation
Ensuring climate-appropriate insulation, both in quality and quantity, is essential for optimal energy efficiency and living comfort. By strategically wrapping the entire building envelope with a continuous layer of bulk insulation, with special focus on wall and roof junctions, Energy Efficiency Perth guarantees structural integrity and thermal comfort.
Our insulation solutions cater to diverse construction methods including solid, timber, prefabricated elements, formwork technology, steel, and mixed constructions, ensuring effective thermal protection for any building type. Additionally, our expertise extends to retrofitting existing buildings with the appropriate insulation levels, regardless of construction age or type.
2 - High Performance Windows
Windows constitute the weak link of any building envelope, also ranking among the most costly components. When deciding on windows, numerous considerations arise, including frame materials like uPVC, metal, wood, or thermally broken options, glazing choices ranging from single to triple-pane, and coatings such as e-coating.
Each decision impacts energy efficiency, durability, and overall performance, making informed selections crucial for optimal energy efficient building performance.
3 - Minimising Thermal Bridges
Whether your building is constructed with bricks, timber, steel, or structural insulated panels (SIP), thermal bridges are unavoidable.
Effective design to minimize thermal loss is essential for reducing heating demands and preventing cold spots where condensation may occur.
4 - Air Tight Design
An effective airtightness layer not only eliminates draughts and reduces energy consumption but also safeguards the building fabric. By preventing warm, humid air from infiltrating the structure and potentially causing interstitial condensation and mold growth, it preserves the integrity of the building.
The cornerstone of planning a building's airtightness is the concept of a 'continuous uninterrupted airtight building envelope,' often illustrated using the 'red pencil method.' This method ensures that the building envelope can be traced without interruption in each sectional drawing, emphasising the importance of seamless airtight connections.
This underscores that airtightness is primarily a planning endeavor; craftsmen can only execute it effectively if it has been meticulously designed.
5 - Ventilation with Heat Recovery
Ensuring airtightness to reduce uncontrolled infiltration underscores the importance of proper ventilation. A modern Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
Having an HRV system doesn't eliminate the option to open windows; rather, it provides an alternative means to achieve good indoor air quality. By incorporating mechanical ventilation, reliance on window openings diminishes while heat and cooling recovery occur, preventing energy wastage. Additionally, the system filters incoming air, reducing pollutants and the risk of condensation, thus fostering a healthier indoor environment.