Bill-busting 7-Star Revolution

Seven-star energy efficiency rating will be mandated in a new sustainability initiative at Villawood Properties’ award-winning Armstrong Mount Duneed community.

More than 50 designs by 10 leading builders are available in the bill-busting measure – dubbed A 7-Star Revolution – which allows new home builders to save money, boost their disposable income, even shorten their mortgage, while tackling climate change by reduced demand for non-renewables.

Villawood is introducing 7-star precincts in all its master planned communities, upping the ante from the present 6-star minimum energy requirement.

The energy savings will be made through various measures including:

High level-quality window products, such as double-glazing
Energy-smart house plans which allow for best use of the sun – keeping it out in summer with eaves, and letting it flood into living areas in winter
Keeping south and west-facing windows reasonably small
Having homes proportioned to reduce both total wall area and build complexity
Reducing the number of items penetrating the ceiling, such as lights, ducts and skylights
Cross-flow ventilation to let homes cool down after a hot day.

Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe said that for over 30 years, Villawood Properties has been committed to community growth, sustainability, environment enhancement, new technologies and social responsibility.

“Our 7-Star Revolution embodies these values while delivering real energy savings to families, easing their financial burden whilst contributing positively to the health of the planet,” Mr Costelloe said.

Being kind to the planet doesn’t mean any sacrificing creature comforts in the home.

Home buyers can enjoy effortless year-round comfort in a home designed to stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer’s extremes.

They can breathe easy with the choice of gas-free appliances and temperature controls, giving better air quality and health.

And they can relax in peace and quiet, your home’s insulation and window glazing improvements not only keep you more comfortable, they also block outside noise more efficiently.

Participating builders are: Simonds, Mimosa, Kingsbridge, Fairhaven, Arden Homes, Long Island Homes, Geelong Homes, Hamlan, Hotondo Homes and JG King.

The Armstrong 7-Star precinct is just one of many sustainability measures in place across Villawood’s national stable of communities.

The developer boasts the most water/energy-efficient community in Australia, with 70 per cent reduction in water use and 60 per cent in non-renewable power, in its Aquarevo community at Melbourne’s Lyndhurst, an award-winning joint venture with South East Water.

Its Solstice Precinct microgrid network at Rathdowne in Wollert is a ground-breaking initiative with the State Government, Energy Australia and Metricon.
Villawood also donates a block of land to State Forest for every residential lot it sells, totalling 580ha to date.

The developer is leading research and development into thermally-designed housing to counter rising urban temperatures and limit reliance on fossil fuels. Even its survey stakes and pegs, from fallen timber, finance thousands of new Landcare trees in the Otways.

Home-buyers in the Armstrong 7-star precinct can further boost their overall comfort and energy costs savings by various means including:

Avoiding having gas connected
Induction cooktops
Keep the total size no larger than necessary
Efficient heating and cooling systems – split systems are often the best
High-performance heat-pump hot-water systems
Cellular blinds on all windows
Clever use of exterior shade, such as deciduous vines on pergolas
Avoiding alfresco areas that usually block too much light from living areas
Roof design that makes it easy to install solar panels

Originally Published in Times Group – Armstrong Creek Times, Bellarine Times & Surfcoast Times 03/02/22