Developer’s Star Move On Energy Efficient Homes A Hit With Geelong Buyers
It’s taken little time for a Mount Duneed housing estate to find a dozen buyers willing to build to a higher standard seven-star energy rating.
Villawood Properties’ Armstrong estate dedicated its latest 12 lots where houses must be built with an energy efficiency rating of 7-stars or higher.
More than 50 designs by 10 leading builders were made available under the initiative, dubbed A 7-Star Revolution.
The developer revealed more seven-star precincts would be launched at its communities to encourage more environmentally-friendly housing options.
The energy savings can be made through various measures, such as double glazing, solar passive design such as large eaves, keeping south and west facing windows reasonable small and allowing cross-flow ventilation to let homes cool down after a hot day and reducing the number of items penetrating ceilings, such as downlights, ducts and skylights.
Beyond the basic star rating, home builders can gain an edge by foregoing natural gas, instead using induction cooktops, high-performance heat-pump hot water systems and efficient heating and cooling systems.
Armstrong purchaser Dan Cotterill said he and his partner had become very aware about their carbon and plastic impact.
“We do what we can to minimise our waste and be more sustainable in our lifestyle,” he said. “This extended into our choice for building where we liked the opportunity to be more energy-efficient and sustainable in our build within our budget.”
Chris McMahon moved back to Victoria after some time interstate and while he could understand the cost drivers for things like gas-boosted solar hot water, for example, was surprised that there was “not a more forward-looking approach in housing in relation to environmental and sustainability considerations”.
“Armstrong’s 7-star precinct ticked so many boxes for us in location, timing and the ability to build a house in an area focused on higher energy ratings, increased insulation, double glazing, gas-free, electricity backed by solar. We couldn’t be happier.”
Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe said the Armstrong 7-Star Revolution embodied those values while delivering real energy savings to families.
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Originally Published in Geelong Advertiser 04/03/22
