Australian Passive Solar Home

It’s all been done before!

I am often asked about the ideas that underpin our passive solar house. Especially since it…
Relying on air conditioning does not equal a resilient house

When talk turns to energy efficient housing, I often see people mentioning ‘resilience’. The way the…
What is a comfortable interior temperature range?

What temperature range are you happy with in your home? It’s a question fundamental to energy…
Owner-building in Australia

I’ve been asked about owner building a home in Australia. It’s a process that we’ve nearly…
Thermal mass is always changing in temperature

Someone, commenting on the thermal mass behaviour of our passive solar house north of Canberra, said,…
There’s no magic in straw-bale, or mud, or adobe…

Many alternative building materials have fervent supporters. These materials include straw-bale, rammed earth, adobe and cob…
Fads and fashions

When designing and/or building an energy efficient house, be wary of fads and fashions. Many people…
NatHERS modelling is vital to your design

It is extremely important that before you travel too far down the design or house selection…
Non-regulatory NatHERS modelling

The whole purpose of NatHERS software packages (all of which use an underlying engine developed by…
Should you use an architect?

Architects are professionals in building design, and some are also experts in energy-efficient house design. But…
Be wary of social media advice

One of the huge issues with social media is not what many people suggest – disagreement,…
DIY insulation moisture monitors

If fibreglass insulation gets moist, its effectiveness is much reduced. Moisture may be introduced from the…
Thermal mass and the required speed of occupant response

Georgina came up with a very interesting point regarding thermal mass and how people operate a…