The entire building envelope has been conceived to be "breathable". We've used compatible building and insulating materials that work together to facilitate the evacuation of humidity from the building envelope. This means that building materials will degrade less and at the same time provide a more comfortable internal climate for the occupants.

The building envelope, including the roof,  is wrapped in high density natural wood-fibre insulation. The high density nature of the insulation prevents the summer heat from penetrating the building. It, also, effectively prevents any thermal bridging in the entire envelope .  The internal wall and external wall cavities all have 100 mm thick insulation batts, whilst the ceiling has 100 mm batts. 

By mitigating humidity and allowing the house to breathe the woodfibre insulation  prevents the build up of mould spores inside.  Mould spores cause respiratory illnesses like asthma .

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We've also significantly reduced the amount of treated building materials and products that contain VOC's (solvent based glues/ finishes),  

The building orientation and cross-ventilation location of the window & door openings was conceived to take full advantage of the local wind patterns. The double-battened roof and exterior cladding were designed to facilitate air flow thus helping reduce the build of of heat within the building structure. 

The insulation panels on the building envelope are tongue and grooved eliminating unwanted air drafts.

Windows are a significant source of heat loss/gain in a house so we have selected thermally efficient UPVC windows.  European styled but made in Australia, these windows have excellent thermal insulating values as well as reducing outdoor noise pollution.

90 cm eaves protect the walls from the intense summer heat and also from rain.  The cladding on the roof is of a light colour to reflect heat. 

The living areas are orientated due north so that in the winter they are warmed by the sun.  All rooms have large windows that allow an abundance of natural light - a necessity  for a healthy home.  Solartubes in the hallway have also been installed to bathe it in natural light.

Double glazed windows and high density wood-fibre insulation installed in the building envelope and within all the internal partitions creates an effective barricade to noise inside and outside of the building. 

A house should be a generator of the energy it consumes. Our house produces enough energy to cover all our electrical needs and will be a net exporter of excess electricity