New national building standards requiring seven-star energy ratings have left many Australian first home buyers concerned about potential costs. However, according to building industry experts, achieving this standard might be more straightforward and affordable than many anticipate.
The Brick Solution to Energy Efficiency
With the National Construction Code now mandating that all new homes must reach a minimum seven-star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme rating, Midland Brick Technical and Innovation Manager Amelia Richardson suggests that traditional brick construction offers a practical pathway to compliance.
"Bricks provide a natural and budget-friendly approach to meeting energy standards through their inherent thermal properties and compatibility with intelligent design principles," Ms Richardson explained.
Harnessing Natural Thermal Properties
The high thermal mass of bricks enables them to absorb heat throughout the day and release it gradually, creating a natural temperature regulation system that keeps homes warmer during winter and cooler in summer.
Ms Richardson emphasized that when combined with quality insulation, brick construction can substantially decrease energy consumption while enhancing year-round comfort. These temperature-regulating characteristics may even reduce the amount of insulation required in some applications.
Smart Design Strategies for Maximum Efficiency
Double-brick construction naturally incorporates thermal breaks, which serve as barriers to minimize heat transfer between interior and exterior spaces. This feature helps maintain stable indoor temperatures and improves overall energy efficiency compared to lightweight building materials.
Bricks also create thermal lag, slowing heat movement and preventing sudden temperature fluctuations inside the home. This delay effect contributes to a more consistent and comfortable living environment regardless of outdoor conditions.
Strategic home orientation represents another crucial factor in energy performance. Positioning living areas to face north while shading west-facing windows can maximize natural light and reduce dependence on artificial heating and cooling systems.
Window management also plays a significant role. While large windows can contribute to heat loss, reducing their size and incorporating awnings or shades helps maintain indoor comfort while still allowing natural light to illuminate living spaces.
Proper ventilation completes the energy efficiency picture. Good airflow enables passive cooling, helping maintain comfortable temperatures without heavy reliance on air-conditioning systems, resulting in both energy and financial savings.
Ms Richardson concluded that building a seven-star NatHERS rated home doesn't need to be complicated or prohibitively expensive. By selecting brick construction and implementing thoughtful design strategies, first home buyers can meet the new NCC standards while enjoying comfortable, efficient, and affordable living spaces.
CONTACT Midland Brick, 6313 1000 www.midlandbrick.com.au
