A bit of background around the 7 Stars.

The 2022 National Construction Code (NCC) will require all new Australian houses and apartments to meet a minimum energy efficiency rating of 7 stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). Equivalent increases exist for other NCC compliance pathways: Deemed-to-Satisfy elemental provisions; and the Reference Building Verification Method. There will be allowances for 6 and 6.5 star houses with a compliant outdoor living area in NCC climate zones 1 and 2.

See Section S42C2 of Volume Two for more details, https://ncc.abcb.gov.au.

OUR TOP TIPS TO GETTING YOUR QUEENSLAND HOME TO 7 STARS

Get the NatHERS assessor involved early

The most important first step is engaging our NatHERS assessor early in the design phase. Our design & construction process actively promotes and accommodates the expertise of NatHERS accredited assessors. These professionals are extensively trained to improve the energy efficiency of your home and offer tailored solutions to achieve your 7-star rating.

Your Queensland homes orientation is key

Our modern Queensland homes are designed to suit the local climate of subtropical and warm temperate regions. Each home maximises shade and solar access based on your location. The living room is positioned with a northern orientation, while low-use rooms are placed to the west for added convenience & functionality.

Optimise window design on your beautiful Queensland home

Ensure optimal window design by considering sizing, placement, and shading based on the local climate. Minimise east and west facing windows to reduce heat gain and prioritise good ventilation with well positioned openings. Utilise wide eaves and awnings to shade the house in summer and allow winter sun penetration. Use high-performance glazing on sun-exposed windows where necessary.

Increase zoning

By including more internal doors in the design, mechanical heating and cooling estimates in NatHERS can be applied more accurately. Places to include doors may be at the end of corridors, the bottom of stairs or to close off occasionally used rooms, like media and rumpus rooms.

Insulate, insulate, insulate!

The R value of wall, floor and ceiling insulation has been increased. Ratings can be improved by extending insulation to new areas eg: underfloor insulation, the garage wall and internal walls. Care must be taken to not increase condensation risk.

We’re a FAN of Fans!

Specifying ceiling fans in all rooms will not only improve your NatHERS rating but the homeowners’ comfort.

Let’s talk colours

Discover the power of colour. By lightening external roof and wall colours you can achieve rating improvements. Don’t underestimate the impact of adjusting window frame colours for a refreshing change. We can collaborate with you and our design partners to create your desired home.

Lightbulb moment!

Look at lighting. NatHERS favours homes with fewer ceiling penetrations with higher ratings. Our modern queensland designs consider IC-4 rated downlights, consuming 80% less electricity and allowing insulation coverage. This is the most important factor but efficient lighting switches and lighting controls help reduce household energy consumption by providing lighting only when necessary. We’re here to support you through these requirements and make sure you get the Queensland home you’ve always wanted.