Double glazed home wins triple energy awards from Westech by Certainteed

The right windows and doors were essential to the success of this energy-making, energy-saving home in Bayside Melbourne... alive with daylight, serenely quiet and solidly built on a sensible budget. Housing-energy writer Laurie Dacy reports:

Winner of two Building Design Association awards and a council award for energy efficiency, the house demonstrates practical ways to resist global warming. Yet is fun to live in, stylish, spacious and supremely comfortable in all seasons.

Best of all, it cost about the same to build as an 'ordinary' quality home, balancing the budget by investing in insulation, CertainTeed double-glazed windows and solar systems instead of massive heating and cooling. This home needs only minimal heating or air-conditioning.

Its energy rating is 6++ stars, far higher than required by states' building regulations.

In winter, the CertainTeed double glazed windows capture sunshine to warm the tiled floors, giving the owners free heating. In summer, pergolas and screens keep out the solar heat.

The house is on the south of the block to maximise exposure to north sun. Windows in the south are are side hinged so they can be angled to catch breezes. In the north, sliding windows save space and create vital cross ventilation.

Because the CertainTeed frames are made entirely of uPVC, these windows will never need painting.

Exterior walls are of lightweight, aerated concrete to insulate against summer heat while internal walls with high thermal mass even out changes in temperature throughout the home.

Insulation in all exterior walls is carefully fitted to prevent thermal leakage.

Most of the home's electricity and hot water are solar generated.

Energy efficient lighting is used throughout and rain water tanks supply the toilets, laundry, dishwasher and garden.

Only readily available building materials were needed to create this exemplary model of ecologically responsible housing in our era of climate change.

Discover the simplicity of energy efficient building at a free 2.5 hours CertainTeed workshop, conducted at least once a month. For locations and free tickets, phone 1800 062 100.