Designing Homes for Climate Resistance and Sustainability

·  Changing rainfall patterns: Rainfall patterns are shifting, with southern Australia experiencing decreased winter rainfall, leading to prolonged droughts and water scarcity. Conversely, northern Australia is likely to see increased rainfall and more intense tropical cyclones.

·   Increased extreme weather events: The risk of extreme weather events is on the rise. This includes more intense and frequent bushfires, severe storms, and coastal flooding due to sea-level rise.

These are not only abstract predictions. Recent events, such as the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020 and increased flooding events in recent years, demonstrate the consequences of climate change. These events have resulted in loss of life, property damage, and significant economic disruption.

Combining resilience and sustainability

In the context of modern home design, resilience and sustainability are two crucial concepts that, while distinct, are deeply interconnected:

·  Resilience in home design is about its ability to withstand and recover from shocks and stresses due to extreme weather events, natural disasters, and other disruptions. A resilient home is designed and built to minimise damage from events like cyclones, floods, bushfires, and heatwaves, and to facilitate a swift recovery. This involves considering factors like structural integrity, water management, fire resistance, and access to essential resources like power and water.

·  Sustainability in home design, on the other hand, focuses on minimising the environmental impact of a home throughout its entire lifecycle. This encompasses everything from the selection of building materials and construction methods to the home’s energy and water consumption, and its eventual demolition or repurposing. A sustainable home aims to reduce its carbon footprint, conserve resources, minimise waste, and promote a healthy environment.

While resilience and sustainability might seem like separate goals, they are mutually reinforcing. For example, a home designed for energy efficiency will also be more resilient to power outages during extreme weather events. Similarly, the use of durable, high-quality materials can also contribute to sustainability by reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising waste.

Resilient design strategies

To withstand the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather, resilient home design incorporates several key strategies. A home’s ability to withstand extreme weather events hinges on a solid foundation and a robust structural framework. Designing foundations that can resist soil movement, subsidence, and floodwaters is vital. This may involve using reinforced concrete, deep foundations, or specialised foundation systems.

Ensuring structural integrity involves using reinforced framing and secure connections to withstand high winds, seismic forces, and heavy loads. Techniques like using hurricane straps, reinforced shear walls, and impact-resistant materials can significantly enhance a home’s resilience.

With increased rainfall intensity and the risk of flooding, effective water management is paramount. Implementing proper site grading and drainage systems to direct water away from the building is essential. This includes using swales, French drains, and other techniques to manage stormwater runoff. Using water-resistant materials in flood-prone areas, such as concrete, treated lumber, and waterproof membranes, can minimise water damage. Designing rainwater harvesting systems conserves water and reduces the strain on stormwater systems, and minimises flood risks.

In bushfire-prone regions, homes should be designed to resist fire. Employing fire-resistant building materials like concrete, steel, and specialised cladding can protect homes from flames and intense heat. Designing homes with defensible spaces, which involves creating a buffer zone around the house that is free of flammable vegetation, is crucial.

Implementing ember protection measures, such as fine-mesh screens on windows and vents, can prevent embers from entering the home and igniting fires. Installing fire suppression systems, like sprinklers, provides an additional layer of protection.

Sustainable design strategies

Along with resilience, sustainable home design plays a role in mitigating climate change and minimising our environmental footprint. The following strategies can be integrated into home design to achieve these goals.

Energy efficiency

Reducing energy consumption is important in sustainable design. It can be achieved through various ways:

·  Optimising building orientation and design to maximise natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning.

·  Using high-performance insulation, windows, and doors to minimise energy loss.

·  Selecting energy-efficient appliances and lighting systems.

·  Integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines.

Water conservation

Conserving water is another key aspect of sustainable design. Strategies include:

·  Installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

·  Implementing rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems.

·  Designing drought-tolerant landscaping.

Sustainable materials

The materials used in construction have a significant impact on the environment. The following are sustainable choices:

·  Prioritising the use of recycled, reclaimed, and locally sourced building materials. For instance, using sustainable cladding solutions like those offered by Weathertex, which are made from renewable sources and have a low environmental impact. Weathertex produces sustainable timber cladding and architectural panels. Their products are made from 97% hardwood and 3% natural wax, without any added silica, glues, resins, or formaldehyde. This composition contributes to a “better than zero carbon footprint.” They also have a range of products suitable for interior and exterior applications.

·  Selecting materials with low embodied energy and minimal environmental impact.

·  Avoiding the use of toxic materials.

Waste reduction

Minimising waste during construction and throughout the building’s lifecycle is important. This can be achieved through:

·  Minimising construction waste through efficient design and construction techniques.

·  Promoting the use of modular construction and prefabrication. Using home energy storage systems, such as those offered by FranklinWH, can contribute to more efficient energy use and reduce waste associated with traditional energy distribution. They specialise in whole-home energy storage solutions with systems like the Franklin Home Power, which integrates solar, battery, grid, and generator power sources. This integration allows for efficient management and optimisation of energy supply, reducing reliance on the grid and minimising energy waste.

·  Designing for deconstruction and material reuse at the end of the building’s life.

Site sensitivity

Sustainable design also involves considering the impact of the building on the surrounding environment:

·  Designing homes that are sensitive to the local environment and minimise disruption to natural ecosystems.

·  Preserving existing vegetation and minimising soil disturbance.

·  Implementing erosion and sediment control measures during construction.

As Australia faces more frequent and intense weather events, designing homes that are both resilient and sustainable is no longer optional — it’s essential. By combining smart design, durable materials, and energy-efficient systems, we can create homes that not only endure extreme conditions but also help reduce our environmental impact. This dual approach is key to safeguarding both our communities and the planet for generations to come.