Act Design Guide

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enhancing our l iving environment

design for a sustainable lifestyle

guide togood design


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enhancing our living environment

design for a sustainable lifestyle

guide togood design


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contents

Foreword 5

Getting started 6

Choosing a house 6

The right size for your needs 6

Neighbourhood impacts 7

Design for our climate 7

Orientation 8

Orientation for passive solar heating 8

Orientation for passive cooling 9

Thermal mass 10

Thermal mass properties 11

Typical applications 12

Locating thermal mass 12

Combining thermal mass with lightweight materials 13

Insulation and draught sealing 14

Types of insulation 15

Choosing insulation 16

Where to install insulation 16

Draught sealing 18

Shading 19

Sun path 19

Shading types 19

General guidelines 19

Glazing 21

Glazing types 21

Frames 22

Using the Window Energy Rating System 22

Passive design considerations 23

Fading 24


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Air tightness 24

Light transmittance 25

Heat loss and gain 25

Ventilation 26

Noise control 27

Condensation 27

Passive cooling 28

Design principles 28Air movement 28

Indoor air quality 30

Sources of indoor air pollution 30

Choosing materials 30

Carpets 31

General pointers to reduce indoor pollution 31

Energy heat, light, hot water and power 32

Energy sources 33

Hot water 34

Solar hot water 34

Choosing solar hot water systems 35

Energy source selection 36

Solar energy options 36

Photovoltaic systems 36

Energy use - appliances 38

Household appliances energy rating scheme 38

Calculating total greenhouse gas emissions 38

Water 39

Use the rain 39

Irrigation 40

Household applications and xtures water use ratings scheme 40

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Designing the outdoors 42

Front yard/back yard 42

Plants 42

Maintenance 42

Surface treatments 43

Garden structures and fences 43

Design to guard against re 43

Adaptable housing 45

Externally 45

Internally 46

Related publications 48

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foreword

The ACT Planning and Land Authority wants to ensure that people are able to achieve

good building design that meets their needs and lifestyles, provides for an acceptable level

of amenity for their neighbours, is environmentally friendly and continues Canberras rich

tapestry of housing choice.

The Authority encourages using sustainable design principles when building. This will result in

a building that is more comfortable, has less impact on the environment, is more economical

to run and is healthier to live in.

This design guide, part of a series to support these principles, has been produced to help

home owners, designers and builders incorporate features in developments that achieve

high levels of sustainability. It is recommended reading for anyone contemplating residential

building work.

If you are building, buying or renovating, this guide will assist you to design and build a more

comfortable home that has less impact on the environment, both in the short and long terms.

Other books in this series are aimed at assisting home owners, builders and design

professionals prepare good development applications that result in timely approvals,

regardless of the sort of development they are proposing.

The ACT Planning and Land Authority aims to encourage good design and share best practice

information. In addition to this guide, a range of design examples at www.actpla.gov.au may

also provide inspiration.

Please contact our Customer Service Centre on 02 6207 1923 if you would like more

information on building design or the process involved as you create your living space and

enhance the living environment of the ACT.

Neil Savery

Chief Planning Executive

First published June 2004

These guidelines have been adapted to Canberras climate from the Your Home, Your Future, Your Lifestyle

series produced by the Australian Greenhouse Ofce. The assistance of the Australian Greenhouse Ofce in

providing source material, photographs and images is appreciated. Additional useful information is available at

www.yourhome.gov.au or from the Your Home CD-ROM included with this book.

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getting started

Many factors will inuence the location and choice of your home design. Your home choice

will be based on ideas and expectations about your lifestyle and accommodation needs.

Obviously, your budget will be a central consideration, however other questions and issues

that you will need to take into account are:

What dwelling type is appropriate to your lifestyle and your familys needs?

Will a dwelling and its surrounds need considerable time spent on maintenance?

Is it close to public transport, employment, schools, shops, health, social and recreation

facilities?

Lower density housing in suburban areas may have higher time and money costs (i.e.

running cars) versus locations in inner city areas

Re-use of existing buildings can save energy and materials

Efcient land use reduces energy costs, so it is worth bearing the following points in mind:

Rectangular lots permit efcient land use

Compact houses are more energy efcient in Canberras climate

Site coverage should maximise the area available for landscaping

Family members and pets have differing indoor and outdoor space needs

choosing a house

Before choosing or designing your house some key decisions and actions might include:

Make a checklist of your priority functions for inclusion as rooms or linked spaces

Accommodate a changing lifestyle with adaptable design

Plan the home so it can be modied for future needs at least cost and effort

Consider how the plan interacts with the site - good indoor/outdoor relationships are

desirable in Canberras climate

Maximise benets of solar access, cooling breezes, summer shading and wind protection

Avoid windows and outdoor living areas facing the neighbours

the right size for your needs

Building a more compact home will save on material and building costs. Good design creates

quality living space, poor design wastes space and money, especially in the long term.

Do you need that extra bedroom - could it be added later when needed?

How many living areas do you need?

Do you need more than one bathroom?

How much garaging? Does the car deserve a room of its own?

Since home costs increase by the square metre make sure you get the most out of every

bit of your house


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neighbourhood impacts

Be innovative and adventurous but sympathetic to the neighbourhood by considering:

Appropriate materials

Forms sympathetic to the area

Appropriate bulk, height and style

Low glare materials and nishes

Colours sympathetic to the surroundings

Protect the neighbours solar access, privacy and views and avoid overshadowing or

overlooking their property

design for our climate

Canberra has hot summers and cold winters with winds that signicantly affect outdoor

comfort. Good design, which considers orientation, thermal mass, insulation, sealing draughts

and shading can reduce many of the effects of these extremes.

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Orientation

Applying principles of good orientation assists passive heating and cooling, resulting in

improved comfort and smaller energy bills. On average, 39 percent of energy consumed in

Canberra homes is space heating and cooling. Using passive solar design (which usually

means orientation along an east-west axis providing exposure to north sunlight) dramatically

reduces ongoing costs.

orientation for passive solar heating

Passive solar heating is about keeping the summer sun out and letting the winter sun in. It is

the least expensive way to heat the home. Passive solar houses are comfortable to live in,

cost less to run and can be achieved on any site. The basic principles are:

Northerly orientation of daytime living areas

Appropriate areas of glass on northern facades with summer passive shading

Control solar access to east and west windows

Minimising heat loss with insulation and draught sealing

Thermal mass for storing heat energy

Floor plan zoning based on heating needs

On sites with poor orientation or limited solar access, energy efciency is achievable through

design. Advanced glazing systems and shading can achieve winter solar gains from windows

in almost any direction whilst limiting summer heat gain.

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summer shadow

winter shadow winter

summer


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orientation for passive cooling

Good orientation for passive cooling excludes unwanted sun and ensures access to cooling

breezes. A degree of passive cooling is necessary for Canberras climate. Passive cooling is

the least expensive means of cooling a home with the lowest environmental impact.

In discussions with your architect, you may consider the following principles:

Minimise daily summer heat gains by providing effective shading to windows and glass

doors (planting or shade structures)

Design to capture air movement and cooling breezes and increase controlled natural air

movement by placing windows and vents to maximise cross ventilation

Provide adequate levels of insulation and use high thermal mass construction

Control solar access to east and west windows

Use light coloured roofs and walls to reect solar radiation and reduce heat gain

Overall principles for solar orientation applying to both new homes and extensions to

existing homes


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thermal mass

Thermal mass is the ability of a material to absorb, store and then release heat energy, a little

like a thermal battery. In summer, it stabilises temperatures, keeping the house comfortable; in

winter, it can store heat from the sun or heaters to release at night to help warm the house.

Thermal mass is particularly benecial in Canberra where there is a big difference between

day and night outdoor temperatures.

Greater density equals greater energy storage. A lot of heat energy is required to change

the temperature of high density materials like concrete, bricks and tiles. Light materials like

timber have low thermal mass

Thermal mass can signicantly increase comfort and reduce energy consumption when

used correctly

Thermal mass is not a substitute for insulation but stores and re-radiates heat. Insulation stops

heat owing into or out of a building. High thermal mass material, such as uninsulated double

brick, is not a good thermal insulator. Ideally you should be aiming to have appropriate thermal

mass and good insulation.

Thermal mass evens out variations in day time temperatures

Winter Summer


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thermal mass properties

Materials that have good thermal mass contain the following properties:

High density - The more dense (in other words, the less trapped air) the higher the thermal

mass, for example, water has very high thermal mass, concrete has high thermal mass,

aerated autoclaved concrete block has medium thermal mass, timber has low thermal

mass and insulation has none

Good thermal conductivity - It must allow heat to ow through it. For example, rubber is a

poor conductor of heat, brick is good, and reinforced concrete is better. If conductivity is

too high (for example, steel) energy is absorbed and released too quickly for the lag effectrequired for diurnal moderation

Low reectivity - dark, matt or textured surfaces absorb and re-radiate more energy than

light, smooth, reective surfaces


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typical applications

Thermal mass can be incorporated into a building in a number of ways:

A suspended slab with an insulated underside provides effective thermal mass. To avoid

the loss of heat to the surrounding soil, a slab on the ground should at least include an

insulated perimeter where the slab meets the surrounding soil. In colder alpine areas the

whole slab must be insulated from earth contact

Polish or tile the slab. Do not cover slab areas exposed to winter sun with carpet, wood or

other insulating materials as this negates the thermal mass effect

Masonry walls provide good thermal mass. Insulate on the outside, much like reversebrick veneer. Masonry walls with cavity insulation and rammed earth walls provide good

thermal mass

Place thermal mass on the inside of lightweight structures as opposed to traditional brick

veneer construction that has the thermal mass on the outside where it provides no benet

in stabilising internal temperatures

Water can provide thermal mass, for example, internal water features, water tanks and

walls built with water-lled containers

locating thermal mass

Locating thermal mass within a building has an enormous impact on its year round

performance. Generally the best place for thermal mass is inside an insulated building

envelope. For example, reverse brick veneer construction with masonry walls inside an

insulated frame and lightweight external cladding is much more effective than the traditional

external brick veneer.

Remember that:

Better insulation means more effective mass

Thermal mass must be exposed to interact with the house interior

Winter heating application: locate in areas receiving sunlight or radiant heat from heaters

Summer cooling application: protect from summer sun and allow cool night breezes and

air currents to pass over it, drawing out the stored energy

Brick veneer houses with tiled roofs have thermal mass on the outside and insulating

materials inside minimising the value of the thermal mass. Brick veneer is an inefcient,

energy cladding system. The brick veneer has no structural role and its thermal

performance is no better than lightweight materials

Avoid using thermal mass in rooms and buildings with poor insulation from external temperature

extremes and rooms with minimal exposure to winter sun or cooling summer breezes

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combining thermal mass with lightweight materials

Different combinations of materials used to build the main elements of homes (roof, walls and

oor) have advantages and disadvantages with regard to thermal comfort, lower construction

and maintenance costs and overall environmental impact.

In most situations, a carefully designed combination of lightweight and heavyweight systemswill produce the best overall outcome in economic and environmental terms.

Use of heavy and lightweight cladding systems can help optimise ongoing thermal

performance, offer similar durability to brick and reduce embodied energy in the building.

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insulation and draught sealing

Insulation acts as a barrier to heat ow and is an essential part of passive design, keeping

your home warm in winter and cool in summer. A well insulated and well designed home will

provide year-round comfort, cutting cooling and heating bills by up to one half. In turn, this

will reduce greenhouse emissions. Insulation caters for seasonal as well as daily variations in

temperature.

Typical heat gains and losses in Canberras climate

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Its worth considering the following points when deciding what sort of insulation you will use

and where:

Passive design must be used in conjunction with insulation

If insulation is installed but the house is not properly shaded, built-up heat can create an

oven effect

Draught sealing is important, as draughts can account for up to 25 percent of heat loss

from a home in winter

Insulation can assist with weatherproong and eliminate moisture problems such as

condensation

Some types of insulation also have soundproong qualities

Most common construction materials have little insulating value, with some exceptions

where little or no additional insulation may be required. Suitable materials include aerated

concrete blocks, hollow expanded polystyrene blocks, straw bales and rendered extruded

polystyrene sheets

The most economical time to install insulation is during construction

types of insulation

Insulation is available in two forms, bulk and reective, which are sometimes combined.

Bulk insulation

Bulk insulation mainly resists the transfer of conducted and convected heat, relying on pocketsof trapped air within its structure. Its thermal resistance is essentially the same regardless of

which way heat ows through it. Common types of bulk insulation are:

Glass bre - made from melted glass spun into a mat of ne bres

Rockwool batts and loose-ll - made from melted volcanic rock spun into a mat of ne bres

Polyester - made from polyester threads spun into a mat, produced in rolls and batts

Wool batts and loose-ll - made from spun sheeps wool, treated against vermin and rot

Cellulose bre loose-ll - made from pulverised recycled paper

Extruded polystyrene [Styrofoam] - rigid boards that retain air but exclude water

Expanded polystyrene [EPS] - semi-rigid boards of polystyrene beads

Reflective insulation

Reective insulation uses high reective properties and its ability to re-radiate heat.

Its effectiveness relies on the presence of an air layer of at least 25 mm next to its shiny

surface. Its thermal resistance varies with the direction of heat ow through it. Common types

of reective insulation are:

Reective foil laminate [RFL sarking] - aluminium foil laminated with glass bre

reinforcement

Multi-cell foil batts - made from layers of RFL with enclosed air cavities between the layers


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Concertinatype foil batts - concertina-folded foil/paper laminate

choosing insulation

When choosing what sort of insulation is appropriate for your home you may want to:

Compare R-values, the bigger the R level the better

Check for performance guarantees or test certicates

Compare environmental benets, for example, recycled content

Consider if it suits the application and will it t in the space available?

What are R-values?R-values measure resistance to heat ow. Higher R-values mean higher levels of insulation.

Material R-values of bulk insulation refer to insulating value of the product alone

System R-values of reective insulation depend on installation

Depending on direction of heat ow R-values can differ - this is marginal for bulk insulation

but can be pronounced for reective insulation

Up R-values: resistance to heat ow upwards (winter R-values)

Down R-values: resistance to heat ow downwards (summer R-values)

Recommended insulation levels for Canberra

Ceilings R3.5 R4.0

Walls R1.5-2.0

Under oors R1.5-2.0

Note that R values will only be achieved if sufcient space exists for bulk insulation to fully

expand.

where to install insulation

To make the best use of insulation, it should be installed in the following locations:

Under roong materials - to reduce radiant heat gain (including under veranda roofs)

In ceilings and bulkheads - to reduce heat gain and loss (usually between joists)

External walls - to reduce radiant, conducted and convected heat transfer, including:

- Within cavities

- Within stud frames

- On the outside of stud frames

- On the inside or outside of solid walls

Floors require insulation in cool climates like Canberras

Insulation can be added to existing buildings with varying effectiveness and cost depending on

the construction type and where it is being placed.

Ceilings and suspended oors with good access are easiest to insulate

Insulation board can be laid beneath oor nishes

Walls and skillion roofs require removal of internal or external linings

Insulate during re-cladding or re-plastering


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External insulation or cavity ll may be appropriate for brick veneer and double brick walls

General guide to the installation of wall and ceiling insulation

Ceiling

Floor Walls

Slab

Waterproofmembrane

R1.0 polystyrene

edge insulation

Ground level

Punctured foil,building paper,

or housewrap

External

weatherboards

R1.5 bulk

insulation


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draught sealing

Whatever construction system is used, air leakage accounts for 15 to 25 percent of winter

heat loss in Canberra homes. Use airtight construction detailing, particularly at wall/ceiling and

wall oor junctions.

Control ventilation so it occurs when and where you want it

Choose well made windows and doors with airtight seals

Improve the performance of existing windows and doors by using draught-proong strips

Seal gaps between the window/door frame and the wall prior to tting architraves

Avoid using down lights that penetrate ceiling insulation Duct exhaust fans and install non return bafes

Avoid open res and t dampers to chimneys and ues

Do not use permanently vented skylights

Use tight tting oor boards and insulate the underside of timber oors

Seal off air vents, use windows and doors for ventilation as required

Air leakage as illustrated accounts for 15 to 25 percent of winter heat loss in Canberra homes.


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shading

Shading your building and outdoor spaces will reduce summer indoor temperatures, improve

comfort and save energy. Shading can block up to 90 percent of the heat created by direct

sunlight. Unprotected glass is often the greatest source of unwanted heat gain in a home.

sun path

During winter the suns path is very low in the sky compared with its summer path meaning

that shading can be designed to maximise winter solar radiation gain but exclude summersolar radiation.

shading types

Types of shading you can use will vary according to house orientation. Different sizes or types

of shading devices will be needed for different parts of the house. The following chart outlines

a general rule of thumb for Canberra:

Orientation Suggested shading type

North xed or adjustable shading placed horizontally above window

East and west external adjustable vertical screens

North-east and north-west adjustable shadingSouth-east and south-west plantings

general guidelines

Ideally, your main windows will be orientated towards the north, you can exclude the sun

in summer and admit it in winter using simple horizontal devices, such as eaves, awnings

and pergolas with louvres set to the correct angle. East and west openings will require

adjustable shading to control heat from low morning and afternoon sun. Examples include

deep verandas, pergolas with deciduous vines, external blinds and louvres. In Canberra, use

deciduous vines or trees to the north and deciduous or evergreen trees to the east and west.


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Correctly designed eaves can regulate solar access on northern elevations throughout the

year, without requiring any user effort.

Fixed horizontal louvres set to the midwinter sun angle and spaced correctly will allow full

winter heating and total summer shading. In Canberra the appropriate louvre angle is 31.

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glazing

Windows are important to provide daylight, ventilation, noise control, security and views

connecting interior and outdoor spaces. However, windows and other glazed external surfaces

also have a major impact on a buildings energy efciency. Windows are the major source of

heat transfer in a well insulated home.

In summer, each square metre of glass in direct sun can allow as much heat in as would

be produced by a single bar radiator

In winter, heat losses through a window can be ten or more times the losses through the

same area of insulated wall

glazing types

Your choice of glazing type will determine energy efciency, light transmittance, noise control

and security. If the glass you select does not reect or absorb solar radiation, it will be

transmitted through the window. Some of the types of glass available with their properties are:

Tinted or toned glass is the most common absorbent glass, acting like sunglasses to

reduce transmission of solar radiation

Reective glass has a coating, either vacuum-deposited (soft, must be glazed facing

indoors) or pyrolytic (hard, can be glazed facing outdoors). Where glare may annoyneighbours, reectivity should be below 15-20 percent

Spectrally selective glazing maximises light transmission whilst reecting unwanted solar

radiation

Low emissivity (low-e) glass allows short wavelength energy from the sun to enter but

reduces loss of long wavelength (infrared) energy

Polymers can replace glass, for example with skylights. May also be in laminates for

impact resistance or in double-glazing to improve insulation


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Single glazing provides very little insulation and should not be used except in small glazed

areas such as the laundry and bathrooms

Double-glazing offers much better insulation and comprises two panes of glass with

a sealed space lled with air or inert gas. A low cost alternative is a thin, transparent

polyethylene membrane in place of the inner pane

frames

After glazing, frames have the greatest impact on window energy performance:

Aluminium frames are light, strong and durable but aluminium is a good heat conductor

and can decrease insulation values by 20 - 30 percent. Large amounts of energy are used

to make aluminium. Aluminium windows can eventually be recycled to reduce this impact

and some frames are available in recycled aluminium

Timber frames insulate well but require more maintenance than aluminium. Timber swells

and shrinks with changes in temperature/humidity and requires larger tolerances. Any

resulting gaps should be sealed against draughts. It is important to check that timber is

from sustainably managed forests

uPVC plastic frames are relatively new in Australia. Their insulating properties are similar

to timber.

Fibre-reinforced polyester plastic frames are used overseas and are the most thermally

efcient framing materials available. Polyester is much less toxic than PVC Composite frames typically use thin aluminium on the outer sections with either a timber or

uPVC inner section. They insulate about twice as well as standard aluminium frames but

are more expensive

using the Window Energy Rating System

The Window Energy Rating System (WERS) rates energy performance of residential windows

from zero to ve stars for cooling (summer) and heating (winter). WERS rated windows carry a

sticker, certicate and material showing ratings for heating and cooling performance plus other

useful information.

Canberra is a heating climate so you should select windows with a heating climate classication

which are designed to keep heat inside. Compare WERS star ratings for suitable generic

windows with available products and select according to cost and performance.

The heating star rating is more important in the Canberra heating climate. WERS ratings will be

less accurate where total glass area is greater than 35 percent of oor area and where buildings

have large areas of overhead glazing, sunspaces, attached conservatories and large skylights.


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passive design considerations

The overall insulation value of window assemblies needs to be considered along with overall

passive design issues.

U-value measures heat transfer - the lower the U value the better the performance. WERS

uses U-values to describe window insulation performance Double glazing and/or specially treated glass will lower the U-value

R-values (see Insulation) describe similar insulating properties in other building materials.

Higher R-value means better performance. To convert U-values to R-values, divide U

value into 1 (R = 1/U)

U-values are listed on the lower part of WERS rating labels

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Easy to understand star ratings for coolingand hearing performance. The more stars,the more energy efcient the window.

Indicative percent reduction in heating andcooling needs for the whole house, comparedwith base-case, single-glazed, standardaluminium window. the higher the percentage,the more you will save on your energy bills byinstalling the window.

Basic thermal, solar and optical performancedata including the U-value for the window;the Solar Heat Gain Coefcient; VisibleTransmittance; Fabric Fading Transmittance

and Air Inltration for explanations of theseterms. These gures help to determine if thewindow is right for your specic applicationand climate.


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Reduction in heating energy (%) compared to using 3 mm single glass in aluminium frame in

Canberras heating climate

fading

Exposure to sunlight causes many modern interior furnishings to fade

Appropriate glazing will reduce fading but will not prevent it completely

Fabric Fading Transmittance is a measure of the extent to which a window transmits those

wavelengths of light that cause fading. It is shown at the bottom of WERS rating labels

The lower this number, the lower the potential for fading

air tightness

Thermal performance of windows and doors is lowered if they are not airtight. Heat loss and

gain can occur from air inltration through cracks in window assemblies. Well-made frames,

seals around opening sashes, sealing between wall and window frames are all important.

Inltration is measured in terms of the amount of air that passes through a unit area of window

under given pressure conditions. Air inltration for a particular window is shown at the bottom

of WERS rating labels. The lower this number the better.

Air inltration through cracks in the window assembly is a key means of energy transfer


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light transmittance

Visible transmittance (VT) measures visible light transmitted, WERS rating labels show VT

performance. Some points to bear in mind when you are choosing glass include:

Glass with VT of at least 0.5 (50 percent) will preserve the benets of natural lighting

High VT helps maximise daylight and view but must be balanced against the need to

control solar gain and glare in hot climates

Diffuse lighting (as opposed to direct sunlight) is generally best for illumination without glare

Skylights provide excellent natural lighting, particularly where shading and other passive design

elements can reduce light transmittance through windows. A Skylight Energy Rating Scheme

(SERS) has been developed in Australia, similar to WERS. Remember that permanently vented

skylights in heating zones of your home will be a major cause of heat loss.

heat loss and gain

You can make a substantial difference to the amount of heat lost through windows using

internal insulation such as:

Closely woven curtains and sealed pelmet boxes (most effective). Curtains can provide

extra summer protection, especially if they have reective linings. A snug t on both sides

of the window and boxed pelmets or solid strips at the top of the curtain is important for

best performance

Tightly tting Roman type blinds and insulated shutters may be effective provided they

form a sealed air space next to the window

External shading, such as eaves, overhangs, pergolas and sun blinds, helps reduce solar

radiation passing through windows.


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ventilation

The amount of ventilation that you can provide through your windows will depend on their

placement, opening size and the frame type. Cross ventilation is ve times as effective as

single-sided ventilation. Balance summer ventilation against air leakage and winter heat loss.

Remember that:

Hinged windows ventilate through the full window area

Louvres allow 100 percent openings. They are not easily double glazed and are less

airtight and should be avoided in the Canberra heating climate

Sliding windows open to half the window area

Double hung windows restrict opening area but can allow hot air to escape at the top of

the room or cool air to enter at the bottom


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noise control

Noise control issues should be considered when selecting windows.

Standard single glazed windows are poor noise barriers. Sealed double glazing reduces

transmission of medium to high frequencies such as the human voice

Reduce low frequency noise (for example, trafc) by using thicker glass - double-glazed

with a large air gap (100 mm plus) is most effective. Such large gaps allow convection to

occur between the panes and reduce insulating properties

Thick laminated glass also reduces noise transmission but offers little in the way of thermal

performance Sealing cracks and gaps helps control noise

condensation

Windows can play a part in controlling condensation in your house:

Energy efcient windows reduce condensation and the build-up of unsightly and unhealthy

mould and fungus because interior and exterior glass surfaces are closer to the adjacent

air temperatures

Less efcient windows create greater differences between room temperature and glass

surface temperature, facilitating condensation

Most double glazed units are sealed, with a desiccant in the spacer bar to eliminate

condensation

Open windows can promote condensation and mould growth when warm, moist air meets

colder air inside or outside the house

Condensation and draughts


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passive cooling

Ventilation is an essential part of designing and modifying homes to achieve summer comfort

through passive cooling. While Canberra is essentially a heating climate you also should

carefully consider the need for summer cooling.

Ventilation contributes to passive cooling through:

Air movement

Cooling breezes

Assisting evaporationVentilation is the least expensive means of cooling, it has the lowest environmental impact and

is appropriate for the Canberra climate.

design principles

Good design that allows air movement to cool your building and its occupants will reduce or

eliminate external summer heat gains during the day. It is worth considering local conditions

and the microclimate of your site as a part of the design process.

The design should:

Orientate openings for exposure to cooling breezes

Increase natural ventilation by reducing barriers to air paths through the building Zone oor plans to maximise comfort for daytime activities and sleeping comfort

Place windows and glazing to minimise unwanted heat gains and maximise ventilation

Maximise convective ventilation with high level windows, ceiling and roof space vents

Zone living and sleeping areas for climate - vertically and horizontally

Design ceilings and furnishing positions for optimum efciency of fans, cool breezes and

convective ventilation

air movement

Moving air increases evaporation rates and is the most important ingredient for passive

cooling. Cross ventilation generally is the most effective for air exchange (building cooling) and

fans for air movement (people cooling).Cooling breezes

Your design should maximise the ow of cooling breezes. In Canberras warmer months

cooling breezes come from the east and openings on the eastern walls will help capture this

natural cooling effect.

Night cooling means cool breezes often ow down valleys in late evenings and early mornings.

Thermal currents in atter areas are often brief in early morning and evening but with good

design can yield worthwhile cooling benets. When designing to capture cooling breezes:

Maximise multiple ow paths, minimise barriers (single depth rooms recommended)

Use windows to deect/capture breezes

Allow airow at levels suitable for proposed activity Use plantings to funnel breezes in and through building, lter strong winds, exclude

adverse winds


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Wind patterns in Canberras warmer months. The length of lines along the sixteen compass

points show the frequency of wind from that direction. The percentage of calm weather is

shown by the gure in the centre.

Courtyard design with evaporative cooling pond

Convective

Convective air movement relies on hot air rising and exiting at the highest point, drawing in

cool air, for example, from shaded external areas or over ponds or cool earth.

Remember:

Convective air movement is able to cool a building but has insufcient air speed to cool

occupants

High level windows, roof ventilators, vented ridges, eaves and ceilings allow convected

heat to exit buildings when there are no external breezes to create air movement. You

must be able to close down convective air vents in colder months


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indoor air quality

Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. Design for good air quality can improve

health and well-being. Indoor pollution has been linked to numerous health problems.

Unhealthy indoor air can cause headache, fatigue, coughing, sneezing, dizziness and eye,

nose, throat and skin irritation.

Some health effects may be experienced soon after exposure; others may be felt years later.

The CSIRO estimates that occupants of new homes may be exposed to many times the

maximum allowable limits of some indoor air pollutants and that exposure can continue for

many weeks after occupation.

sources of indoor air pollution

Although individual sources may not pose signicant health risks by themselves, multiple

sources of indoor air pollution may interact and may include:

Synthetic building materials, nishes and furnishings that release or outgas pollutants

Personal care products, pesticides, and household cleaners

Biological sources for example, insects, pests, moulds and other fungi

A number of potential pollution factors need to be considered when selecting materials and

nishes for your home. These include the potential for emissions, the toxicity of the materials,

the quantity you will be using of each and their proximity, or the location in the home.

choosing materials

Choose products with very low or zero solvent and harmful particle emissions. These include:

Termite barriers in stainless steel or granite

Hard nished ooring such as ceramic tiles or polished concrete

Timber nished with plant based hard oils or waxes instead of polyurethane nishes

Linoleum or cork glued with natural rubber latex

Rugs on hard oors are cleaned more easily than carpets

Sisal, coir or jute ooring materials


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Plant or mineral based paints instead of petrochemical paints and varnishes. Low VOC

conventional water-based paints are generally preferable to oil based nishes

Jute or recycled textile underlay instead of synthetic

carpets

Use low emission carpet and ask your supplier to unroll and air carpet before installation. Opt

for mechanical xing. Ask for low-emitting water base types of adhesives if they are needed.

Leave the premises during and immediately after carpet installation and open doors and

windows. Install low pile carpet and clean regularly to minimise dust mites. Use low emission

alternatives, for example, linoleum, coir, seagrass, cork and hard oor nishes - be aware ofnishes used to treat such surfaces.

general pointers to reduce indoor pollution

Some general points to bear in mind around your house:

When you are controlling pests and using other chemicals use non-aerosol products and,

as an alternative to chemicals, try traps or herbs to control pests. If chemical controls are

needed, use low toxic pyrethrum-based or biologically-based products

Good ventilation will ensure that pollutants do not accumulate to levels that pose health

and comfort problems. Air lters may be necessary for people with high chemical

sensitivity Keep gas releasing products for example, solvents, paints, glues in sealed containers or

cupboards, preferably outdoors

Indicators of poor ventilation can include condensation on windows or walls, smelly or

stuffy air, and areas where books, shoes, or other items become mouldy

Good ventilation is essential when you are using unued gas stoves or heaters

Buy only low-NOx heaters, do not use in conned spaces for prolonged periods

Use correct installation/maintenance procedures for chimneys and ues

Control dampness to minimise mould, fungi, mites

Enable occupants to open/close building and cross ventilate when needed

Balance need to introduce fresh air with maintaining comfortable temperatures

Do not ventilate excessively in cold weather or you waste energy

In cooler weather it is preferable to ush air through the house at warmest time of day

Use low or zero emission paints and varnishes

Ensure ue outlets of gas, water, room heaters are away from open windows

Indoor plants can improve indoor environment quality


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energy heat, light, hot water and power

Home energy use in Canberra generates around eight tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) (the

main greenhouse gas) per household per year and is the largest source of greenhouse

emissions.

Annual sources of greenhouse gas emissions (tonnes CO2

per annum) from the home are:

Water heating, refrigeration, space heating and cooling produce most greenhouse gases

Cooking, lighting and stand-by energy use

Greenhouse gases from home energy use (AGO 1999)


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energy sources

Energy can be renewable or non-renewable. Renewable sources - solar, wind, hydro-

power - are naturally replenished and produce very few greenhouse gas emissions. Non-

renewable energy comes from diminishing stocks of fossil fuel and produces large amounts of

greenhouse gases.

Electricity from coal red power stations releases high levels of CO2

and other pollutants

and transmission losses create inefciency. Natural gas produces about one third of the

greenhouse emissions of grid electricity.

Hydro-electricity produces almost no greenhouse gas but may have other

environmental effects.

Electricity

You consider the following when deciding on the level of electricity usage in you house:

Electricity can run the full range of household appliances

It is the most greenhouse intensive energy source

It is usually most expensive per unit of energy used

Electricity provides a way of buying renewable energy through Green Power purchase at

www.greenpower.com.au

It can be generated by households from renewable sources

Reduced consumption can be achieved through energy efciency and fuel switching

Gas

Gas can be:

Less expensive than electricity, with fewer greenhouse emissions but is a

non-renewable fuel

Largely used for water heating, room heating, cooking

Used for clothes drying, fuelling vehicles, refrigeration

Reticulated gas may not be available everywhere but liqueed petroleum gas (LPG) can be

used as a substitute. LPG has similar greenhouse emissions but costs twice as much as

reticulated gas and transportation adds nancial and environmental costs. Remember that

rooms should be adequately ventilated when unued gas appliances are used.

Wood

Wood can be a renewable energy source if it comes from sustainably managed forests. They

make no net contribution to greenhouse gases if trees are planted to replace those used, but

usually fossil fuels will be used in collecting and transporting wood. Local air pollution and

health problems mean wood is generally not desirable in urban areas. Some efcient, low

pollution stoves are available but are more expensive and must be operated properly.

For more information about wood burning heaters contact www.environment.act.gov.au. Go to

Your environment at home work and play then to Home res and rewood. In 2004, the ACT

Government began a program to encourage the replacement of some wood burning heaters

with cleaner systems.


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hot water

About 30 percent of household energy is consumed in heating water. Solar, gas and electric

heat pump systems produce fewer greenhouse emissions than conventional heaters. Gas

boosted solar is the most greenhouse efcient means of water heating.

The ACT and Federal Governments provide rebates to assist with the initial purchase of solar

systems. For more information visit Environment ACTs website: www.environment.act.gov.au.

Go to Air and Water, click on Greenhouse and scroll down to Solar Hot Water Rebate

Scheme.

Some points to remember:

Gas heaters have industry star ratings that also cover gas ducted and space heaters

Locate heaters close to where hot water is used

Install AAA rated water efcient showerheads

Set thermostat at 60 to 65C on storage hot water systems, 50C on instantaneous

systems

Insulate hot water pipes

Turn off hot water system when on holidays

Put timer on solar booster and on-peak electric storage systems

solar hot water

Solar hot water is one way in which a householder can harness renewable energy from the

sun. Solar collectors trap the suns heat to raise water temperature. Flat-plate collectors, the

most common, comprise an airtight box with transparent cover, dark metallic absorbing plate

containing water pipes and insulation to reduce heat loss. Solar thermal collectors should

outlast their storage tanks. Frost protection is essential in Canberra.

In open circuit systems, water ows through the collectors, into the storage tank, then

through pipes into your home

In closed circuit systems, a uid other than water ows through the collectors, picks up

solar heat and transfers this heat to water in the storage tank through a heat exchanger

Passive systemsIn passive thermosiphon systems, tanks are placed above collectors so cold water sinks into

the collectors, where it is warmed by the sun, then rises into the tank. Continuous water ow is

created without pumps.

In close-coupled systems, horizontal storage tanks are mounted directly above the

collector on the roof. Heated water is supplied at mains pressure. These systems are

cost-effective to install but insulation of the tank or placing tanks inside the roof space is

required in Canberras climate

In gravity-feed systems, the storage tank is in the roof cavity. This system is the cheapest

to purchase, but plumbing must suit gravity feed


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Active systems

In active (pump or split) systems, solar panels are roof mounted and water (or uid) is pumped

to storage tanks located anywhere that is convenient.

Visual impact is minimised because the tank is not mounted on the roof, but active

systems are usually more expensive, use more energy (because of pumps and heat loss

through pipe work) and require more maintenance

Active systems have lower roof loadings and suit conversions where collectors are added

to an existing hot water system

Booster systems

Generally, you will need some form of heat booster to provide for periods of overcast weather.

Solar water heaters can be gas, electric or solid fuel boosted

Electric boosted heaters use an electric element inside the storage tank

Gas boosters burn natural gas to heat water either in the tank or in a separate unit

downstream

Boosters should be controlled with thermostats, timers and manual on/off switches to

maximise the solar contribution

choosing solar hot water systems

The following are relevant considerations when selecting a solar hot water system:

Compare greenhouse gas emissions and costs

Seek expert advice from building industry or the energy advisory centre

The Australian Consumers Association provides helpful detailed information

Manufacturers and retailers may also help with selection guidelines

Check the Environment ACT website at www.environment.act.gov.au. Go to Air and

Water, click on Greenhouse and scroll down to Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme

Sizing, positioning and operation

The ideal tank and panel sizes will depend on the number of people, water saving devices and

behaviour and heater efciency.For best results, you may want to consider:

Reducing hot water demand to reduce size and cost of the system

Facing systems to solar north. Up to 45 deviation from north has little impact on efciency.

If north orientation is not possible, west orientation can be used by adding additional

collection panels

Ensuring collectors are not shaded by trees or buildings, particularly in winter

Angling collectors at about 35 to the horizontal to maximise sunlight capture with panels

for best winter performance. It is often cheaper and more aesthetically pleasing to install

collectors ush with the roof, rather than use supports even if winter efciency is slightly

reduced. For many Canberra houses this achieves an angle of about 20


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Following manufacturers recommendations

Setting the booster thermostat to 60C for minimal energy use whilst preventing harmful

bacteria growth

Install mixer valves to reduce water temperatures to safe levels at the tap

Using most hot water early in the day to allow reheating by the sun for use at night

Cleaning panels regularly, remove sludge by ushing

Turning off booster when on holidays and during summer if conditions are favourable

energy source selection

The following sources, in order of priority, will minimise environmental impacts:

Renewable sources - for example, Green Power, on-site generation, and solar hot water

systems

Natural gas

Grid electricity

solar energy options

Solar energy can be captured and used in many ways in addition to heating water:

Passive heating through capture by the building envelope

Passive cooling by enhancing airows, for example, using convection

Creating electricity with photovoltaic cells

Growing crops for energy and food

photovoltaic systems

You might like to consider the use of a photovoltaic (PV) system to provide some of your

energy needs. Sufcient sunlight falls on Australia to provide the nations total energy needs.

With a few solar modules homeowners can capture some of this abundant energy.

Historically a niche product, photovoltaics are being used to provide price-competitive energy

to homes and businesses.

Solar modules

Solar modules are available in two categories - crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon thin

lm. Both are commonly used in grid-connected and stand-alone installations.

More solar modules are fabricated as building materials able to be integrated into the building

fabric, for example solar roof tiles, wall materials, semi-transparent roof material for atriums

and skylights.


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Siting and elevation

Solar modules should be pointed directly at the sun if possible, aim for full sun from 9 am to 3

pm in mid winter.

A wide range of elevation and orientation angles provides useful output

Where winter operation is crucial, stand alone PV systems should be tilted at 45

Grid-connected systems should be 21 to maximise annual energy capture

Output power will vary throughout the day

Shading some cells in crystalline modules can affect current ow and cause damaging hot

spots. Arrays should not be located near trees that will grow and shade the modules

Building integrated PV modules

PV panels can be fully integrated as prestigious elements of modern architecture, replacing

conventional roofs, facades, skylights or awnings. Solar tiles can replace conventional

roong. PV panels integrated in shade structures can reduce cooling load whilst generating

electricity. Semi-transparent PVs can replace glass skylights and roong.


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energy use - appliances

Household appliances energy rating scheme

The Energy Rating Scheme is a mandatory national labelling scheme for, refrigerators,

freezers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, dishwashers and air conditioners.

Look for the Energy Rating Label that shows the efciency rating (1 - 6 stars) and other

information about energy consumption. Choose a high star rating.

Calculating total greenhouse gas emissions

In order to achieve targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions the average home in the ACT

is encouraged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to between 5.1 to 7.5 tonnes per annum.

The table below is a simple tool to quickly estimate the emission prole of your home.

Heating Total oor area (m2)

150 200 250 Your home

Primary heating source

Standard electric* 5.642 7.522 9.561

Gas (no pilot light) 1.113 1.484 1.892

Heating oil 1.512 2.017 2.571

Electric reverse cycle 1.880 2.507 3.187

Secondary heating

Standard electric 2.821 3.761 4.796

Gas (no pilot light) 0.556 0.742 0.946

Heating oil 0.756 1.008 1.2857Electric reverse cycle 0.940 1.253 1.599

Air conditioning 1.5 2.0 2.5

Cooking Gas ElectricGas hob /

elec oven0.190 0.633 0.413

Hot Water Electric Electric solar 5 star gas

4.800 1.900 1.300

Refrigerator 1 tonne

Lighting Incandescent Fluorescent

0.560 0.112

Other Appliances .750

Total emissions

*Standard Electric refers to radiators, fans, oil-lled heaters and off-peak heating devices

such as heat banks and slabs.


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water

Water is a nite resource, but through properly managing it we can keep our Garden City,

improve the quality of our rivers and maintain our water reserves for growth.

Water that we drink (potable water) is reticulated throughout the ACT and plumbed into every

house and garden. However, using high quality drinking water is not necessary for garden

applications or for some household uses.

Measures are being introduced to minimise wasting this precious resource. For example,

dual ush toilets signicantly reduce water usage and are compulsory for all new installations.

Water efcient shower roses can reduce your water and energy bills. AAA-rated shower roses

use only nine litres of water per minute, about a third of the water used by a standard shower

rose. In Canberra, the average house consumes around 330kilolitres of water per year and,

of that, about half is used outdoors.

Collecting and redirecting rainwater from your roof for use outdoors can reduce demand on

the public water supply. However, if tank water is used for other purposes, such as toilet

ushing and in the washing machine, then more water can be collected from the tank as it is

less likely to overow, particularly during the colder months when there is little call for garden

watering.

The Rainwater Tank Guidelines produced jointly by ActewAGL, Environment ACT and the

ACT Planning and Land Authority provide detailed information about selecting and installing

rainwater tanks in the ACT.

use the rain

You can reduce water consumption and the amount of water entering the piped stormwater

system from your block by redirecting ows onto your garden. The water can soak into the

ground to provide water for healthy garden plants and street trees.

Take care that you do not direct stormwater onto neighbouring properties or cause erosion.

Stormwater should be redirected into the stormwater pipe system (for example, via an inlet

sump). It is illegal to connect rainwater including roof water and overland runoff to the sewer

system.

Ideas for retaining water on the site include:

Modifying your downpipe connections to ow into an inltration trench or to ow across a

garden or lawn area

Creating garden soaks (swales)

Building ponds that can collect water and be attractive garden features

Choosing plants for a purpose and grouping plants that demand similar amounts of water

in one area

Using plants suitable for Canberras dry climate, heavy winter frosts and high summer

temperatures


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Using mulch, which comes in many forms and reduces evaporation and runoff. Choose a

mulch to suit your situation

Keeping impervious paved areas of driveways, footpaths, and patios to a minimum

Considering using paving materials such as gravel and porous paving that allow water to

penetrate the soil

Directing ows from paved areas onto your lawn or garden areas rather than draining

straight into the piped stormwater system

irrigation

The use of well-designed irrigation systems has been demonstrated to cut down water usein gardens with high water demands. The choice of irrigation systems available ranges from

simple soaker hoses connected to a tap to in-ground pop-up sprinklers with timers. In times of

water restrictions some irrigation systems may not be allowed.

In Canberras climate, you should not need to water your garden all year round. In drier years

or hotter seasons such as summer, it is best to water your garden deeply rather than often. A

good soak once a week is better for the plants than a surface sprinkling once a day. Watering

in the early morning and late evening is recommended to minimise direct evaporation losses.

Before installing an irrigation system, you may want to consider what is appropriate to the size

and character of your garden and the water needs of particular plants. Systems that allow

adjustment and can be time-controlled add efciency.

It is important to ensure that the soil is permeable to maximise penetration and reduce run-off.

This is particularly important in lawn areas. You may need to core, spike or slice the ground

regularly.

Irrigation as a defence against fire

An extension or modication to your garden watering system can be extremely valuable

in defending your house and garden against re. For example, large sprinklers placed on

the windward (north-western) side or adjacent to open spaces so that the roof, eaves and

surfaces are kept wet before and during a re will provide protection in addition to other

measures. Be aware that during bushre attack, sprinkler systems may need additional water

supplies due to loss of water pressure and increased demands placed on the areas waterresources. Remember above ground hoses and plastic piping can burn or melt.

household appliances and fixtures water use rating scheme

Household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers use a lot of water. When

buying new appliances, look for those with AAA ratings or better, which indicate a high level of

water efciency.


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designing the outdoors

You should give the design of outdoor areas the same attention as indoors to optimise your

quality of life. Outdoor spaces are often larger than indoors and need to be designed to meet

needs ranging from vegetable growing to dog exercise. The layout of the outdoor areas and

the materials used are also important in reducing water use, minimising re risk, reducing

maintenance and maximising lifestyle benets.

front yard/back yard

Your front yard presentation contributes to the overall streetscape qualities and is important to

your neighbourhood.

The spaces available around your house need to accommodate many functions, some of

these are more public and suited to the front yard and others are best located in the side

or rear spaces. Consider the best placement for the functions listed below in your outdoor

spaces.

Front Yard

vehicle and pedestrian entry

letter box and house number

Back Yard

childrens and pets play

garden waste and materials storage

clothes dryingFront, Side and/or Back

landscape setting for house

visual screen planting for privacy

fruit and vegetables and herbs

outdoor entertaining area

plants

Most gardens should be able to accommodate a full range of plant types including trees,

shrubs, ground covers and climbers. Each type has different growing requirements and

species should be selected for your particular site and your maintenance intentions.

Consider using native plants, and water features such as birdbaths to attract wildlife to your garden.

Nurseries provide advice on potential weed plants and highly invasive species are generally

not sold locally.

maintenance

A garden is a dynamic system that constantly grows and changes and maintenance

requirements will also change with time. Regardless of the plant, suitable preparation of

the ground before planting is most important for successful growth. Adequate and timely

maintenance is required to a garden just as it is to a building.

Many plants are able to live through drought, storms or the intense heat of res and will re-

shoot from branches, even if they are damaged. Soil moisture is required for recovery andafter new shoots appear, prune back damaged growth.


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Your garden, and the plants in it, should be maintained throughout the year. The following

check list may help if you are going away for a period and at times of high re danger weather.

Remove any build-up of dried materials

Remove debris from ground and gutters

Remove tree branches touching or overhanging the house

Mow grass areas (lawn or tussocks) to heights suitable for species and remove clippings

Water thoroughly around the house including plants and combustible materials, such as

compost piles and organic mulched surfaces

surface treatmentsMost outdoor areas should have some type of surface treatment, not left as bare earth. The

choice of surface treatments should be determined by the functions they are to perform. For

example:

Paving or compacted gravels will take heavy wear from vehicles

Ground covering plants (including grasses) with organic or gravel mulches suits low wear

areas

Lawns (watered) take moderately high wear foot trafc but also require relatively high

water use and maintenance

It is recommended that you minimise areas covered by impermeable surfaces (paving) to

allow maximum water penetration into the soil and to reduce water runoff (stormwater) intodrains. Water runoff from paving is best directed onto your garden beds or lawns.

The layout or design of surface treatments depends upon your needs, however pathways of

hard wearing and non-combustible material beside the exterior perimeter of the house are

desirable. Paths should be wide enough for at least one person with a wheelbarrow. Garden

beds that are immediately beside buildings and not frequently dug over are best mulched with

inorganic mulches such as gravels to deter insect pests and minimise re risk.

garden structures and fences

In Canberra front fences are generally not permitted, however hedges can provide privacy and

enclosure. The Fences Guidelines are available at www.actpla.act.gov.au. More informationabout fences is available in the Authoritys Facts on Fencing brochure available from the

Authoritys Customer Service Centres or from the website.

design to guard against fire

You can enhance bushre safety for your home through a combination of design (layout),

appropriate vegetation, paving and other landscaping materials and effective and timely

maintenance. Ignition of ammable materials around the house by ember showers associated

with bushres is the most common re risk factor.

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The following tips in outdoor design will assist minimising re risk.

Plant trees at a distance from the house so that limbs and branches do not overhang the

roof and gutters do not ll up with leaves

Select less ammable plants and landscape materials generally, and particularly against

windows or timber parts of the house

Use non-ammable surface materials all around the house e.g. paving, gravel mulch or

watered lawn

Avoid highly combustible fencing/wall materials

Design irrigation and garden sprinklers to water areas near the house

Keep wood piles inside a metal shed and compost away from the house or ammable

fences

For more information, please refer to the Firewise Gardens brochure available from the Authoritys

Customer Service Centre or visit www.actpla.gov.au and follow the links under Publications.


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adaptable housing

The term adaptable is used to describe a dwelling that has the ability to be modied or

extended at minimum cost to suit the changing needs of the people in the house. Thoughtful

design can provide the exibility for these needs to be met without requiring expensive and

energy intensive renovations.

Some may wish to run a business from home, or look after grandchildren. Others may need

assistance either from mechanical aids or carers. Therefore, housing should be designed and

built to be adaptable so that it can be used by everybody, irrespective of the users age, level

of mobility, health or lifestyle.

Adaptability is not a separate issue in house design. It is a concept that contributes to a

package of principles, which collectively contribute to good design.

externally

When you site your home on the block, consider the possibility of future additions.

Avoid bends in driveways where cars are required to reverse and areas of limited vision,

especially where cars move out onto the street. Carports and garages should have a minimum

internal width of 3.8 m with a ceiling height of 2.5 m and an internal length of 6 m to permit a

wheelchair user to access and use a vehicle. Carport supporting posts should not obstruct car

doors. Outdoor parking spaces should have a minimum size of 2.4 m x 6 m with provision for

width enlargement to 3.8 m. All car parking spaces should not have a surface slope exceeding

1:40 in any direction.


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Minimise the need for ramps and steps, especially to the main entrance, by integrating

the house with the site. Building access should be as level as possible and usually can be

achieved by gently sloping elevated walkways.

internally

Provide a safe and comfortable home suitable for any occupants of any age and level of

ability. It is important to avoid creating an institutionalised atmosphere through the over-use

of grab rails and similar features. Take care to preserve a home atmosphere, especially within

the bathroom.

Plan the layout of the house so that the size of each area allows for multiple uses. Room sizes

are critical to the success of an adaptable house and they can vary considerably, depending

on the size and layout of furniture.

Design for your present needs, but plan for modications that will help to suit the needs of

people who may wish to buy the house in the future.

Reversibility is another benet of adaptable housing. As the occupants of a house change

so do the functions and lifestyles in and around it. Modications should be simple and cost

effective when they are planned into the initial design of the house.

Note: this circulation space should be applied to all inward opening doors


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Wheelchair users should be able to freely access all essential areas of the house without

assistance. If the house is on more than one level it should incorporate all the areas required

by a person in a wheelchair at the main entry level, or provide access to the other levels that

have these facilities via ramps or lifts.

Allow for wheelchair circulation space adjacent to all doors. This space varies depending on

the swing of the door and the direction a wheelchair approaches the door. The Australian

Standard Design for Access and Mobility (AS1428.1 1998) should be consulted for these

circulation spaces.

Corridors between areas of the house should be kept as short as possible and have aminimum clear width of 1 m (1.2 is recommended).

Doorway openings of at least 800 mm are recommended, measured between the face of the

open door and the opposite door frame. Door handles are not considered an obstruction in

this width.

Consider increasing the clear doorway opening above these minimum sizes, particularly for

external doors.

Always allow for a minimum unobstructed area, free of furniture, of 2.25 m diameter in living

areas, 2.07 m x 1.55 m in at least one bedroom and a distance of 1.55 m between opposing

base cupboards in the laundry and kitchen.

For more information on adaptable housing, refer to the ACT Guidelines for Access and

Mobility available at www.actpla.gov.au.

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related publications

Guide to building and renovating in the ACT

Development Application Guides

Single residences in new estates, small scale alterations & additions, outbuildings

& swimming pools

Single houses in established areas, Dual occupancy developments

ACT Guidelines for Access & Mobility

Rainwater Tank Guidelines for residential properties in Canberra

Firewise and Gardens

Waterwise

Other sources of information

Environment ACT website

Australian Greenhouse Ofce

www.yourhome.gov.au.

Documents

Act Design Guide