From Guest Blogger Alex Pejak: Chelmer (Twickenham) – Sustainable Australian Renovation

The west Brisbane suburb of Chelmer experiences more than its fair share of hot and humid days which, when combined with rising electricity prices, make eco-friendly homes designs a priority for most home owners. And it is for this reason that the owners of this particular property chose to have Dion Seminara Architecture design their home renovation.

 To reduce the power consumption of this home much of the renovation design focused on utilizing natural air-flow and lighting along with insulation and shading to keep the heat off any windows where possible.

The major heat load comes from the west so this part of the home is heavily insulated. Insulation has been used on external and internal walls and roof cavities where possible during the course of this renovation. Sunshades and sunscreens have been used to great effect, particularly on the western side of the home.

All living areas are located on the eastern side of the house and the design of the home allows it to be opened up – particularly the ground floor level – which allows the beautiful coastal breezes to naturally cool the home. Louvre windows on the northern and eastern sides of the home allow for the amount of air-flow to be easily regulated. The renovation has also brought in more natural light further reducing energy consumption.

 Although Brisbane has received more than its fair share of rainfall in recent years (the suburb of Chelmer flooded during the deadly Brisbane floods of 2011), the area is often affected by drought. Slimline rainwater tanks and water saving devices have helped to dramatically improve the home’s water self-sufficiency.

 Dion Seminara Architecture’s design has enabled the home to achieve a high energy rating and dramatically reduce the consumption of water and electricity, whilst creating a living environment that is visually spectacular and wonderfully comfortable.

 See more about this home at: http://www.dsarchitecture.com.au/architects/chelmer-home-renovation/