Barwon Heads Residences 2008

The Barwon Heads Townhouses demonstrate the high level of sustainability that can be achieved in a higher density, multi residential project.  In achieving this outcome, a contemporary design has provided highly liveable, comfortable and healthy dwellings.  GreenSmart principles feature prominently to prove that development on brown field infill sites makes best use of infrastructure as well as creating high levels of amenity compared to the home that has been replaced.

The project is a multi residential development concept to replace a 1950’s fibre cement sheet beach house.  Planning approval was granted in July 2007 after only 4 months consideration by Council, and construction is due to commence in May 2008.

Every key aspect of passive solar design has been incorporated into the project.  This has led to a FirstRate energy rating of 37 points and 42 points respectively for townhouse 1 and 2, translating to a star rating well in excess of 6 stars (19 points).  Given that two storey dwellings generally struggle to reach 5 stars (7 points), this provides an even more impressive demonstration of the overall effectiveness of the GreenSmart practices that have been integrated into the design.

The key means by which this has been achieved is based on the following:

• The orientation of living areas and associated glazing is solar (due) north.  East, west and south windows have been provided in a sparing way to enhance natural light and cross ventilation without compromising passive solar performance
• Highly effective thermal mass has been provided utilizing a polished concrete floor slab, thus ensuring that incoming winter sun is stored and re-radiated into the spaces
• High performance double glazing (effectively the same performance as triple glazing) features an optimal 12mm air space, a low ‘e’ coating to the inner surface of the outer pane of glass (to further improve heat retention in winter) and argon gas fill to the air space to further reduce heat loss.  Further benefit is gained with the flexible shading system (wind and sun sensored folding arm awning system) to allow the glazing to insulate form hot outdoor conditions in summer and early autumn.  Fixed shading could not provide this enhanced performance
• Walls and ceilings/roofs are insulated to higher levels than standard (R3.2 and R5.2 respectively) to further minimise heat losses and gains
• Superior draft sealing of all external doors, windows, ceiling/wall/rangehood fans and general construction ‘gaps and cracks’ will produce a building with minimal air changes per hour, thus greatly enhancing the energy efficiency and comfort of the project
• Lighting systems are simple yet effective with high efficiency fittings utilised for general and task light, as well as careful consideration of switching to allow for minimal lights to be switched on at any given time
• High efficiency appliances – including natural gas heating and hot water systems – ensure that minimal energy consumption will occur 
• Water efficiency and the use of filtered and sterilized rainwater for all potable and other needs has been fully integrated into the project.
• All fixtures, fittings and taps are 3 and 4 star water efficient to reduce water demand by over 50% compared to the average dwelling.

The water that is required for the project is provided by harvesting rain water and storing it in underground water tanks – each dwelling having a 13500 litre tank system.  After ‘first flush’ diversion and gross pollutant filtering, water will be stored in 6 x 4500 litre interconnected underground concrete tanks.  A high performance submersible pump will then deliver water to all fixtures and taps in the dwellings after filtering and UV sterilization has occurred.  A mains water controller allows for automatic switching to mains water supply in the event of drought or other periods of low rainfall.

Based on water demand/consumption and rainfall modeling, it is predicted that the rain water system will provide up to 100% of internal water requirements for each dwelling.  Indigenous landscape plantings will ensure minimal water will be required externally.

A significant advantage of such a water supply system is that one plumbing system is installed in the dwelling, rather than a ‘potable’ and ‘non potable’ supply system.

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