Energy award for double glazed home from Westech by Certainteed

Awards for energy efficiency and building excellence acknowledge this high-country house as the way of the future. Panoramic, double glazed windows help control some of the hottest and coldest conditions in Australia, while making the most of breathtaking views over Victoria's snowfields.

Tight insulation is essential to all energy efficient architecture so this house is sealed on every surface: floors, walls, windows, ceiling and roof. As well as being indispensable insulators, the Certainteed double glazed windows also deliver free solar heating, contributing to minimal energy usage.

On the day we spoke to the owners, Jan and Ian, the overnight temperature was below zero but Jan was delighted. "It was gorgeous this morning. We had snow glistening on the ranges but inside it was just beautiful. Our combustion stove heats the house and it feels so warm with the sun streaming in. The windows are angled to get the maximum benefit from the sun." This is a house with 5 levels, 4 bedrooms, cathedral ceilings and a mezzanine.

Because the double glazed windows retain heat all night while allowing morning sunlight to stream in, the house feels both snug and airy, even on frosty mornings. The insulation factor of the double glazed windows is equivalent to solid brick, compared to virtually zero insulation from single glass. Certainteed's uPVC frames further improve the overall insulating qualities and are engineered for an extraordinary lifespan during which they will never rot or need painting.

The external doors also work as windows. Draughtproof, double glazed sliding doors give direct access to the balcony, decking and refreshing summer breezes.

High thermal mass construction makes the house very slow to heat up or cool down, no matter what the weather. This mass was achieved with the Zego wall system on concrete slabs. The walls combine the superb insulation of styrene blocks with the strength of steel and concrete, helping maintain comfortable living temperatures in all seasons.

Ian and Jan were thinking of themselves as much as the environment when planning their sustainable energy house. "It is our investment in low running costs, ready for our retirement years."

In 2006, the house was awarded:
Housing Industry Association
"Best Energy Efficient Custom Built Home in Victoria."

Master Builders Association Victoria
"Best Custom House over $500,000."

Hedger Constructions Pty Ltd.