Resources
Practical tools, insights, and guidance to help you design homes that are healthy, comfortable, and resilient.
Learn how early NatHERS engagement can empower architects and homeowners in custom home projects. This post highlights a real client testimonial showcasing how detailed energy assessments inform value-based decisions, optimize budgets, and improve collaboration with builders. Discover how NatHERS goes beyond compliance, enabling informed design choices, client empowerment, and better project outcomes.
The Architects Guide to Energy Efficiency: Navigating Compliance Pathways for Part 13.2 of NCC 2022 explores the three primary methods architects can use to comply with energy efficiency requirements. Gain insights into the benefits and limitations of the NatHERS Star Rating & Whole of Home, Elemental Deemed to Satisfy, and Verification Using Reference Building pathways. This article helps architects understand how each pathway impacts project performance, design flexibility, and client outcomes, empowering them to make informed decisions for sustainable, high-performance homes.
Imagine two architects working on similar projects but with entirely different approaches to energy efficiency. One engages late and faces costly last-minute adjustments, while the other engages early and optimises design flexibility. This article explores how early engagement with energy efficiency leads to greater clarity, certainty, and consistency—ultimately transforming your architectural firm’s success.
This article explores how architects can incorporate energy efficiency into their designs while maintaining creative freedom. We discuss how energy-efficient homes provide long-term benefits for clients, including improved health, comfort, independence, and increased property value—all while enhancing their overall lifestyle.
Uncover how early energy efficiency planning can save time and prevent costly compliance issues in architectural projects. This guide offers practical strategies for architects to meet South Australia’s 7.0 Star energy rating by optimising key elements like glazing, skylights, and wall systems. Learn how proactive engagement with energy consultants can enhance design outcomes, ensuring smoother project delivery and creating more comfortable, resilient homes.
Discover the key energy efficiency concessions introduced under the Ministerial Building Standard MBS 007. This guide breaks down the latest updates to the South Australian NCC, providing architects with actionable insights to ensure compliance while designing healthier, more resilient homes. Learn about the impact on new builds, alterations, and additions, and stay ahead with the latest in energy efficiency standards.
Discover the evolving roles of assessors and consultants in the world of energy efficiency and architecture. This comprehensive guide explores the critical distinctions between these professionals and why a proactive, integrated approach is essential for creating healthy, comfortable, and resilient homes. Learn how shifting from traditional assessments to early-stage consultancy can enhance project outcomes, meet rising regulatory standards, and exceed client expectations in modern architectural projects.
Discover the Ultimate Guide to Navigating the South Australian National Construction Code (NCC) for Architects. Learn about the 2022 NCC changes, including Livable Housing, Energy Efficiency, and Condensation Management provisions set for full implementation by October 1st, 2024. Understand key SA Government concessions, and explore the benefits and unintended consequences of the NCC 2022 lockdown. Stay ahead of the curve with actionable tips on futureproofing designs, ensuring compliance, and adapting to a shifting regulatory landscape. Perfect for architects in South Australia looking to maintain high standards and client satisfaction in an evolving industry.
Discover the unexpected journey from a routine TV purchase to a profound realization about energy efficiency in this captivating article. Explore the deeper meaning behind star ratings and the essential features that truly matter to consumers. Join the discussion on creating sustainable living spaces tailored to individual needs and aspirations.
We live in a fast-paced and interconnected world where the need for collaboration has never been more crucial. Businesses and industries are realising that the traditional linear processes are often inefficient and lack transparency.
This is important to consider because it means that if we are able to understand the dynamics of a home’s internal temperature fluctuations, we are able to determine effective strategies that reduce the need for excess energy consumption because for every 1 degree of heating or cooling required, an increase in energy consumption by 5-10% (1) can be expected.
The sun is a powerful friend! It is a free renewable source of energy that harnessed right, can lead to a home that uses little to no energy to stay warm. But with most things, too much of it can have negative impacts! Designing with the sun in mind is a crucial first step in achieving an energy efficient home that is comfortable and healthy for the people living in it.
Can a home be healthier and more comfortable to live in, be cost-effective to build and run while achieving eligibility for a better home loan? Yes, it can. We have written a guide to educate you on how Australian banks are starting to offer green home loans to assist us in the transition towards more energy efficient homes.
I was recently reading an article from Seth Godin about how the pandemic highlighted the universal yet varied human responses to crisis, emphasizing the need for individual initiative and collective action in facing existential threats like climate change.
As I was reading, I felt compelled to email Seth with some of my own thoughts on climate change, leadership and forward-thinking responses to change.
I was going to rewrite this into its own article, but I wanted you to see it first-hand…
In collaboration with our client, we were able to:
Reduce heating and cooling requirements by up to 60%.
Reduce yearly heating and cooling costs slashed by up to 86%.
Reduce overall annual energy costs reduced by 50%.
And increase the family’s resilience, comfort and health within the home.
Today we are announcing the launch of ARKATA. We are a Sustainability Consultancy whose purpose is to uncover the power of sustainability. We strive to empower every Architect and their client to complement and enhance each home with the benefits of sustainability.
Our philosophy is simple. Sustainability is all about the human outcomes. There is a huge benefit beyond the dollars in building a sustainable home. Our comfort is increased. Our well-being is improved. And our way of life is easier. This is the ARKATA way of living, being and doing. Homes that deliver utmost comfort. Homes that seamlessly integrate health. Homes that deliver an impactful vision.