Optimising for Climate
River House by Lakeside’s major project partner, Brother Nature. Photography by Jascha Oakes.
In the heart of the Snowy Mountains, Jindabyne stands as a testament to nature's grandeur.
As the region evolves, so does its architectural landscape, embracing sustainable and efficient building practices.
Mass timber construction, combined with passive house principles, offer a harmonious blend of modern design and environmental stewardship, perfectly suited for Jindabyne's unique alpine climate.
Understanding Building Performance
Building performance encompasses how effectively a structure operates concerning energy efficiency, occupant comfort, durability, and environmental impact.
Key performance indicators include:
Energy Consumption
Thermal Comfort
Indoor Air Quality
Acoustic Performance
Durability and Resilience
Environmental Impact
A high-performance building minimizes energy use, reduces environmental footprint, and ensures a comfortable, healthy environment for its occupants throughout its lifecycle.
Mountains by Lakeside’s major project partner, Brother Nature. Photography by Guy Williment.
Benefits of High-Performance Buildings in Jindabyne
1. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
High-performance buildings are designed to reduce energy consumption significantly. According to the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC), energy-efficient buildings can lower energy costs by up to 60% compared to standard constructions.
2. Enhanced Comfort and Health
Such buildings offer superior thermal comfort, improved air quality, and ample natural lighting. The World Green Building Council notes that employees in green-certified buildings report a 30% reduction in sick leave absences, highlighting the health benefits of sustainable design.
3. Environmental Sustainability
By leveraging sustainable materials and reducing energy usage, high-performance buildings contribute to a lower environmental impact. The Green Building Council of Australia reports that Green Star-certified buildings produce 62% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than average Australian buildings.
4. Increased Property Value
Energy-efficient and sustainable buildings are increasingly commanding higher property values and rental rates. The Australian Property Institute found that Green Star-certified buildings achieved a 5% premium in value.
5. Long-Term Durability
Constructed with superior materials and techniques, high-performance buildings exhibit increased resilience and reduced maintenance costs over time.
Mountains by Lakeside’s major project partner, Brother Nature.
Photography by Luke Kneller.
Mountains by Lakeside’s major project partner, Brother Nature.
Photography by Luke Kneller.
Achieving Building Performance in Jindabyne
Jindabyne's alpine climate presents unique challenges and opportunities for building performance. There are many ways to optimise building’s performance in this environment:
Passive Design Principles
Designing homes that work with the natural environment is crucial. This includes:
Orientation: Positioning living areas to the north to maximise solar gain.
Shading: Incorporating eaves and shading devices to prevent overheating in summer.
Thermal Mass: Using materials that absorb and release heat slowly to maintain indoor temperatures.
Insulation: Ensuring walls, roofs, and floors are well-insulated to reduce heat loss.
Airtightness: Sealing gaps to prevent unwanted air infiltration, enhancing energy efficiency.
Mass Timber Construction
Mass timber, including Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam, offers numerous benefits:
Sustainability: Timber is a renewable resource that sequesters carbon, reducing the building's carbon footprint.
Thermal Performance: Timber's natural insulating properties contribute to energy efficiency.
Speed of Construction: Prefabricated timber components allow for faster on-site assembly.
Aesthetic Appeal: Exposed timber interiors provide a warm, natural ambiance.
These attributes make mass timber an ideal choice for Jindabyne's climate and environmental considerations.
Stay by Lakeside’s major project partner, Brother Nature. Photography by Luke Kneller.
Implementing High-Performance Strategies
To realise the benefits of high-performance buildings in Jindabyne:
Engage Early: Collaborate with architects and builders experienced in passive design and mass timber construction from the project's inception.
Prioritise Quality: Invest in high-quality materials and construction techniques to ensure long-term performance and durability.
Monitor Performance: Utilise building performance simulations and monitoring to optimise energy use and indoor comfort.
Conclusion
Embracing high-performance building practices in Jindabyne is not just an investment in property but a commitment to sustainability, comfort, and resilience. By integrating passive design principles and mass timber construction, homeowners can create spaces that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and harmonious with the natural beauty of the Snowy Mountains.
For more insights into sustainable building practices and how they can be tailored to Jindabyne's unique environment, visit our Philosophy page.