TOWARDS THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDING

Each generation responds to the conditions and needs of their time by shaping and evolving the buildings that they and subsequent generations will occupy. If we follow the status quo - without responding to the specific set of conditions we are faced with today - we risk contributing to the stock of buildings that become more irrelevant with each passing year.  Each ill considered, unresponsive building we add to the landscape has the potential to become cumbersome; a burden to the community and landscape.     
        
As we move into the new century, human, physical and psychological necessities (ventilation, light, space, visual beauty) need to be delivered with a keener awareness of environment, especially in regards to energy efficiency. Within this new set of criteria, a world of innovative design has already emerged (opportunities, for example, to apply considered passive and advanced technology solutions to our homes and work places) that has little impact on resources while producing a positive effect on our overall quality of life.   
   
Achieving these goals requires an integrated building approach that begins at the pre-design stage. It involves the owner, structural engineer, builder (and, where required, landscape architect, hydraulic consultant, HVAC consultant, lighting and electrical consultants) communicating, collaborating and sharing with the express interest of developing a ‘high-performance building’. 

SPACE
Pre-design considerations start with space and budget. How many rooms are required? How big should they be? What configuration and zoning is appropriate? In general, we encourage more generous spaces instead of more rooms. Flexibility is important; adaptable/multiple-use/flexible spaces that transform in to studios, offices, or that can even replace the traditional shed. We favour blurring the building edges, opening rooms onto courtyards or other outdoor living spaces; keeping the atmosphere social, light and well ventilated. 

MATERIALS
Building materials should be selected on the basis of life-cycle as well as upfront costs. The building envelope should integrate essential visual qualities and preferences with high-performance elements. The site might suit lightweight, rather than mass materials; the climate might suggest well ventilated, fast cooling, rather than the thermal lag of masonry or other mass materials (a combination of both most commonly suits the South West coastal climate). There are often a number of avenues worth taking - it is a matter of working through the site specifics rigorously and thoughtfully to provide as many compelling and viable options for the client as possible.

WATER
The long term advantages of well designed hydraulic, water and waste water planning require budget consideration at the initial design stages. Simple underground grey water systems can support year round green spaces without depleting main water, saving money and an increasingly scarce resource.

POWER
Pre-design is also the time to consider power. Efficiency will start with the building configuration maximising quality daylight by using south light for controlled ambient light and north light for passive solar gain. Equally important is controlling east and west sun access to take advantage of the play of light at all hours of the day. All proposed electric equipment and lighting can be assessed for efficiency at the beginning of the design process. 
The earthhouse building form provides a pre-cabled platform for roof mounted built in photovoltaics (BIPV), so the option to create a house supplied completely by solar power is always there. With current rebates, even a large 2.1 kW peak rated grid interactive power system (that in summer will generate around 12.6 kWh/day and provide shade to around 35m2 of roof area) will only cost an extra $19,000 (the equivalent of the cost of 9.5m2 of floor area). As feed-in tariffs come into place (they are already working in Qld, Vic and SA), the re-imbursement of funds will make considered planning even more cost effective, not to mention a wise long-term financial investment.  

HEATING & COOLING
Methods of supplementary heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) should be considered. Natural cross ventilated cooling will reduce need for mechanical cooling. Passive solar systems will reduce the need for electric/gas heating. (In the southern and inland parts of WA some mechanical HVAC will be required.

SITE
Good design requires maximum site information - starting with the feature survey. Wind and topographic data will contribute to the best possible use of the site; particularly on rural blocks, where infrastructure such as power, roads, and communications also need to be considered (this may influence materials and the construction process).
With the above factors considered at the pre-design stage and budgeted in accordingly (with further refinement throughout the design and construction) we hope to produce a building that is comfortable, healthy, attractive, lasting; cherished by its owners and the community alike.