News

March 4, 2020 | IN Media Release and News | BY Holly Brennan | 3 min read

As the state swelters though another summer full of heatwaves, home buyers are being urged to consider home designs with clever passive cooling elements.

When the weather heats up almost two thirds of Victorian households reach for the air conditioning control panel to help stay cool¹ and the Victorian Government recently declared that many homes in the state have high energy bills simply because of the way their home is built.²

While air-conditioners have a role in cooling a home, passive (non-mechanical) techniques should also be considered when purchasing a property to help homeowners save a significant amount on their energy bills in the long term.

AVID Property Group (AVID), the developers behind Savana in Wyndham Vale and Bloomdale in Diggers Rest, have focused on creating communities of energy efficient homes through thoughtful masterplanning and clever home design.

AVID General Manager Victoria, Peter Vlitas said with both temperatures and energy prices rising, a home that takes into consideration passive cooling is a priority for both cost-conscious home buyers as well as those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

“The masterplans of all our communities are crafted to incorporate best practice environmental and sustainability measures that help residents save on their energy bills,” said Mr Vlitas.

“This includes streetscape planting to provide external shading and buffers against hot winds.

“We work with local and national builders such as Orbit Homes who understand the Victorian climate and build to the conditions.”

Craig Millson, Managing Director of Orbit Homes says their home designs are tailored to the Australian environment, with a variety of passive cooling elements in every house plan.

“Passive cooling is a critical feature in any home design to promote air circulation and keep the heat out of a home,” said Mr Millson.

“Buying a new home means you’re getting a more advanced design which helps save homeowners energy costs and reduce their environmental impact.

“When purchasing a new home, it is important to look for passive cooling elements such as insulation, a steel frame, window coverings and tinting, light coloured roofing, orientation on the block and outdoor living space.”

To find out more about home design to combat heat visit the Orbit Homes display at AVID’s Bloomdale Display Village. Open Saturday to Wednesday 11am to 5pm, Thursday and Friday by appointment only, Hero Street Diggers Rest, Victoria.

For more information on land now available and future land releases at Bloomdale, visit www.bloomdale.com.au or phone 1300 656 011.

For more information on land now available and future land releases at Savana, visit www.savanaliving.com.au or phone 1300 723 452.

¹ The Australian Bureau of Statistics: Household Water, Energy Use and Conservation, Victoria

² www.victorianenergysaver.vic.gov.au