7+ Star Elwood Home
Kingspan AIR-CELL Insulbreak 65 was used to help boost the energy efficiency of the home.
Case Study3 min read
The HIA GreenSmart awards recognise excellence in green building practices and residential design. To achieve the 8-star thermal efficiency rating Evoke employed a number of passive solar design measures as well as environmental features such as a grey water system, VOC-free paints, a 10,000 L rainwater tank, a 1.5 kW photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof, and of course good insulation. Thermal insulation, says Mr. Steve Kinchin, director of Evoke Design, contributed significantly to the 8-star rating.
“Insulation is the quiet achiever in energy efficiency. Using Kingspan AIR-CELL dramatically reduces heat loss and gain, and really boosted the thermal ratings of the walls. The home owners told us that when it was 42oC outside in summer it was just 26oC inside! There is no air-conditioning in the house and this temperature difference can still be achieved in the height of summer."
Mr. Kinchin adds, “The thermal efficiency achieved by an 8-star rated building cuts the heating and cooling costs by 75% [compared to the average West Australian 3.5-star rated home].”
The judges commented that the home was "quite exciting in appearance and showed how easily it was to incorporate environmentally responsible design and construction elements. The attractive rammed earth wall carried through the centre core of the home, providing mass for very effective internal temperature moderation. As well as having an 8-star rating it was such a great example of GreenSmart principals."
Evoke Design Group is an architectural and town planning practice that specialise in the design of thermally efficient buildings and the integration of site planning and built form.
