Strine - ENVIRONMENTS

Sustainable Design Principles

Orientation – the integration of our knowledge of the path of the sun and its differing seasonal variations is utilised in placing the building on the correct alignment to reap maximum benefit from orientation to the sun in creating all year round comfort.

Thermal mass – High thermal mass inside the building is essential as well as locking into the infinite thermal of the earth below the building site. A detailed understanding of the scientific information available on the material with the greatest thermal mass has led to the development of the Strine Thermal Panel. Thermal mass significantly reduces the variation of temperatures that are experienced in the outside air, to a much more constant, and definitely more comfortable, level inside.

Insulation – An insulation barrier is maintained continuously around the building including across the roof and down the walls past the floor into the earth below. The Strine Thermal Panel is an integrated construction which includes an insulation layer on all external walls to dramatically reduce the transfer of heat between internal and external spaces.

Glazing – the correct amount of glazing is not a subjective decision to "enhance views" or let the "sun in." Glazing considerations are integral to the overall building design to allow the correct amount of natural light and winter sun in while keeping summer heat out to achieve the comfort levels required inside and the feeling of living spaces that integrate with and flow to the outside.

	Insulated Precast Panels Insulated concrete "Thermal Panels" provide superior thermal mass to insulated double brick and substantially reduce construction times.
	Solar Chimneys Solar stack-effect chimneys exhaust hot air from the house during summer evenings.
	Ultra Low Maintenance Precast insulated "Thermal Panel" construction requires virtually no maintenance, leaving you free to enjoy your home. Bushfire resistant.
	Northern Orientation Facing the house north and maximising glazing to the north heats the insulated concrete slab and walls in winter.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
	Compact Fluorescent Lights Low energy bulbs reduce electricity consumption and require fewer bulb changes.
	Composting Toilets Eliminate water consumption, sewer costs and waste while creating usable organic compost.
	Bio-Walls Foliage covered mesh panels add a layer of insulating vegetation to hot westerly summer walls & cold wind-chilled winter walls.
	Rainwater Tanks Collecting rainwater lessens consumer impact on public resources and saves you money.
	Grey Water Wastewater from washing machines and basins can be put to good use in the garden.