An Energy Efficient Home Starts at the Design Level

Savvy Australian property buyers are putting natural light and improved energy efficiency on the top of their ‘must-have’ list, knowing added benefits far outweigh the initial outlay.

Windows and natural light play a fundamental role in influencing a property’s functionality, increasing its energy efficiency and overall level of comfort. Get the orientation right, with well-suited windows and it all falls into place with a beautifully well-designed home, basking in natural sunlight all year round.

In a recent survey by CSR at three key Display Villages in Sydney, all respondents indicated they would pay extra to improve natural light, improved energy efficiency, better acoustics and controlled air quality (for allergy /asthma sufferers) in their home¹. Almost half of respondents said they were prepared to pay up to $5,000 for increased natural light and improved energy efficiency in the home.

Australian builders, architects and designers are savvy about the sun and salute Australians' desire for their home to provide natural light. Simple measures in the building or renovation phase such as the right size and placement of windows, enlarging existing ones, or adding skylights, clerestory windows or glazed partitioning between rooms can allow deeper and more even penetration of natural light, and could ultimately increase the level of comfort in one’s home. The use of high performance glass can ensure that all this light doesn't come at the expense of your home's energy performance; indeed, done well, good glazing can reduce your annual energy bill.

These latest results show homebuyers are more conscious about a property’s aspect, orientation and the access to natural light, and energy efficiency, ultimately lifting the experience of living in the home, and reducing the cost of running it - factors shown to drive the value that others will place on your home when it comes time to sell.

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^{1. [Display Villages Report, June 2014 by Lonergan Research]?}