NEWS ARTICLE ARCHIVES

Reducing the Need for Air Conditioning

Altair® Louvre Windows in Callignee II, VIC (As seen on Grand Designs Australia)

This uniquely designed house has been rebuilt from a burnt-out shell of a newly completed home that was destroyed after the tragic Black Saturday bushfires ripped through Southern Victoria in 2009.

Designed by Hamilton Design in collaboration with Chris Clarke (owner and commercial builder of Swale Developments), this multi-award winning masterpiece has used a number of surviving elements from the original house, resulting in an inspirational interpretation of contemporary design. The sustainable-focused house demonstrates rare beauty and serenity and has been awarded the highest honour for the BDAV 2011 awards along with eight other categories.

Situated in Climate Zone 6 (regions that experience hot summers and cool to cold winters), the home complements its natural surroundings by incorporating Altair Louvre Windows with clear glass blades to provide a connection to nature. These Altair Louvres provide natural ventilation to keep the home feeling fresh and comfortable reducing the need for air conditioning during summer, yet seal tight and allow warming sunlight to enter the home during winter. One of the most unique areas within the home includes a glass walled swimming pool that captures underwater views from the living areas and encourages cooling breezes to enter the house through the clear glassed Altair Louvre Windows above the fixed glass panels.

This environmentally friendly and energy efficient design is fully self-sufficient and has been described by the BDAV judges as "a testament to the courage of the survivors of a terrible bushfire season".

Company Listings: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z