Sustainable Building Design
What is sustainable and energy efficient design?
Sustainable and energy efficient design makes best use of your site layout and features to build a comfortable home with low running costs and a visual connection to the surrounds. It includes thought towards:
- energy use
- energy source
- low or no-toxicity materials
- passive solar heating
- water harvesting and use
- natural cross ventilation
- position in the landscape
How does this benefit me?
Where consideration is given to sustainability in design, you enjoy:
- a healthy and comfortable home that specifically meets your needs
- maximisation of natural light
- good air flow around your house
- low ongoing energy bills
- low maintenance costs
- low impact on the environment and a smaller carbon footprint
Do I have to spend a lot of money to achieve a sustainable house?
No. The cost of efficiency includes both high and low technology options. These are suggested based on your budget, site and desired lifestyle. A mix is used to meet all your requirements, including meeting your budget. Introducing energy savings often means a reduction in equipment requirements. For example, effective cross-ventilation may mean an air conditioner is not required, saving you this expense. Remember, energy efficiency also reduces your running costs on an ongoing basis.
Will my home be boring and mundane?
NO, absolutely not! Our designs are stunning yet practical. Beauty and connection to the environment are key principles we incorporate with our work.
How important is the site of the building?
The orientation of your building on the site is very important. We aim to establish a harmonious relationship between great design and the environment, using the available resources.
What are the energy saving actions you encourage?
These are many and varied, aiming to achieve a high energy rating and integration of sustainable features. Here are the common areas we consider:
- Double Glazing
- Insulation
- Passive Solar Design
- Natural cross ventilation
- Solar hot water
- Low or no-toxicity materials
- Water storage plumbed to laundry, toilets and gardens
- Grey water systems
- Solar panel electricity
What if I don’t want to incorporate too many sustainability features?
We only take the sustainable and energy efficient areas of the design as far as you want us to take them. We understand there are limitations with all components and respect your input and lifestyle requirements. We design what you want, not what we want.
Do you only design and build houses?
No, we design renovations and new buildings for houses, apartments, town houses, offices, factories, schools and recreation. We work with individuals, business, the corporate sector and government departments. If you like our philosophy, call us! We embrace new opportunities and bring our unique skills to every project we accept.
How important is caring for our environment to you?
VERY. Maxa Design are proud to be a carbon neutral business. We are committed to caring for our environment through encouraging sustainability within our community. As such, we are providing every new design client of ours with a 12 month membership to the Alternative Technology Association (ATA), giving you access to a large environmental support network and spreading the word about eco friendly design and sustainability in all aspects of our lives.