The 5 types of Homes we build in Australiq

Here is the truth about the type of homes we build in Australia.

Your home can easily be categorised into one of the five types of houses in Australia.

The 80% House

Unfortunately for most of us, we are in the 80% club where we live in a home where unless we run the heater full time in the colder months, the temperature inside will be the same as outside, which is bloody cold! I can accept this because these are old homes that need to be bought up to a higher level of performance.

The key facts of this type of home

• You're most likely part of the 80% of Australian homes that do not meet current energy efficiency standards.

• 70% of you have an energy rating of three or fewer stars

• Your home is always cold in winter or to hot in summer.

• Your home lacks proper insulation, airtightness, and efficient heating/cooling systems, leading to high energy bills and discomfort.

• You have poor ventilation and moisture issues, and mould growth and respiratory problems are affecting your health.

• Draughts are just part of the day.

Think of it like a basic tent - it might provide shelter from the elements, but you'll feel the temperature changes and might have to deal with some drafts and a few water leaks.

The minimum standard Home

But then theres the minimum standard home. This is a home that is designed to the absolute bare minimum; it's really one step above being illegal. It may look all architecturally beautiful and pretty, but it's really not much more than a glorified tent. You will spend large amounts of money each month to heat the home and you will not be able to create a stable indoor comfort level.

The key facts of this type of home

• typically meets the minimum 7 star ncc requirements for energy efficiency

• it might look good, but it can be compared to a glorified tent

• will experience temperature fluctuations and drafts

• no care has been taken for weatherproofing

• no care about the insulation installation or airtightness and ventilation

• will require large amounts of additional heating and cooling to maintain comfort.

• will most likely have mould and condensation issues

• the minimum standard home you can build

Think of it as a fast food meal. It's cheap and readily available, but it's not exceptionally nutritious or satisfying in the long run. It fills you up temporarily, but you might crave something more substantial and fulfilling later.

The better build house

Then theres the better-built house. This is the stepping stone to building energy-efficient homes. Alot of people will tell you that you're getting a high-performance home, but this is what your home is. This is the category where our market is learning to adapt and understand, "Hey, we need to do better than the minimum." The home has not been tested to prove it functions as designed, but a high level of care has been taken to construct it.

The key facts of this type of home

• Typically goes a little over the minimum 7 star NCC requirements for energy efficiency

• Some care has been taken to install a weather-resistant barrier

• Above average level of care on how the insulation is installed, basic levels of airtightness

• Will require moderate amounts of additional heating and cooling to maintain comfort.

• No testing of the home

• What most people are starting to build.

Think of it like a campfire on a cool night: it offers warmth and comfort, but you might still need an extra layer to stay completely toasty.

The High Performance House

Then theres high performance. It starts with modelling and ends with testing. The architect has done their job and used passive solar principles, which incorporate everything plus more of a better-built house. This is what we believe should be the minimum standard and financially accessible to all.

The key facts of this type of home

• The house was modelled early

• Performance, comfort, and energy efficiency were the champions of the project

• High levels of care taken in the construction detailing

• Tested and verified - built as designed

• Will require low amounts of additional heating and cooling to maintain comfort.

• Airtightness and mechanical ventilation are considered

• What we feel should be the minimum construction standard

Think of it like a ninja - it's silent, efficient, and barely noticeable in its energy consumption, yet it delivers exceptional performance and comfort.

The Certified Passive House

Lastly, there is the certified passive house. We use the word certified because it means there is guaranteed performance. Certification involves rigorous independent testing and verification by accredited professionals, providing unbiased proof of the building's performance. This translates to a high-quality, durable home that delivers on its promises.

The key facts about this home

• The house was modelled early, often and checked over prior to construction

• Extreme care is taken in the construction detailing

• Tested, verified and certified by a third-party

• Will require extremely low amounts of additional heating and cooling to maintain comfort

• Durable, healthy, comfortable and resilient

• The opposite of a tent!

• The golden sticker of construction methods

Think of it like a fortress: it provides protection and security from the outside world. A passive house similarly shields its occupants from external elements like noise, pollution, and temperature fluctuations, creating a safe and comfortable haven.

So, while others play catch-up, we're hell-bent on setting the standard for a new era of Australian homes – energy-efficient, comfortable, and built to last. If you want to know more about building with us, or work with us on your high performance or passive house project in Melbourne, head to the contact section of our website and reach out to us.