Australian Passive Solar Home

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…