How Do You Achieve a 6 Star Home?

Strategies for a 6 Star Rating

Achieving a 6 Star rating is the culmination of numerous design elements working together for the right climate zone. Here are key suggestions that can increase a home's star-rating:

• Orientation: Consider the home's location, and how it is orientated on the block. If you have not already chosen a block, your builder can help you choose one with an orientation that best suits your favourite home design.
• Room Placement: Place non-habitable rooms such as laundries and bathrooms to the east and west, bedrooms to the south and main living rooms such as dining and meals to the north.
• Size Matters: Keep size in mind, as the bigger the home, the more difficult it is to get higher star ratings.
• Minimise Wall Area: Purposefully minimise wall area by avoiding complex floor plans that can increase the external wall area.
• Window Strategy: Maximise north windows and minimise western, southern and eastern windows. Minimise window glazing on eastern and western windows.
• Shading: Plan proper shading for windows to control solar gain throughout the year.
• Heating Choice: Choose a flued gas heater instead of gas bayonet points for more efficient heating.
• Ceiling Insulation: Increase ceiling insulation to R4 or higher for maximum thermal protection.
• Wall Insulation: Consider wall cavity insulation, targeting east and west facing walls.
• Floor Treatments: Consider floor treatments such as floor tiles to living areas for thermal mass benefits.
• Ceiling Fans: Utilise ceiling fans for energy-efficient air circulation.
• Efficient Lighting: Choose energy efficient lighting, including use of sensors.
• Zoning: Identify areas that can be 'zoned' or closed off for more efficient heating and cooling.
• Sealing: Seal doors, windows, vents and exhaust fans. Self-sealing exhaust fans are an option.
• Glazing Options: Consider tinted or double-glazed windows for improved thermal performance.
• External Colours: Consider outside colour choices for both roof and walls to manage heat absorption.