Eco Blueprints

Not necessarily.  Good design can often lead to higher energy ratings at reduced cost.  Getting the basics right in terms of orientation, balance of glazing & thermal mass etc. may avoid the need for expensive improved glazing to achieve the same thermal rating.

Generally, no.  High energy ratings can generally be achieved with single glass windows & doors.  The energy rating carried out by Eco Blueprints has the ability to demonstrate what benefit different glazing configurations can have on the energy rating.  If double-glazing or low E glass is shown to have minimal or no benefit to a particular house, thousands of dollars can be saved in avoiding the additional cost for minimal benefit.

Yes.  Thermal mass is an important consideration for energy efficiency & thermal comfort. Slab on ground construction provides a very economical way of providing adequate thermal mass for most sites other than steep sites.  If slab on ground construction is not practical due a steep sloping site for example, achieving a high star rating will be much more challenging. 

No.  A brief consisting of the required rooms, preferred type of construction e.g. brick veneer, clad timber frame etc., approximate room sizes etc. is sufficient to start the design process. 

Yes.  Eco Blueprints works closely with a number of highly recommended builders.

A thermal performance assessment or star rating is for the building fabric only so relates to predicted heating & cooling loads for thermal comfort of the occupants. From May 1st 2024 a Whole of Home rating will be required additional to the star rating.  This assessment will take into account the energy required for heating & cooling appliances, water heating appliances, lighting, swimming pool & spa pumps & cooking appliances.  In some cases the energy used by these appliances may need to be offset by the addition of rooftop solar.