Design lessons

The healthy house makes use of readily accessible technology and design strategies to reduce both operational and embodied energy. By careful selection of materials it has achieved a high level of indoor air quality. By showcasing practical solutions to reducing the ecological impact of suburban housing, the Healthy House gives us an opportunity to assess and refine ESD strategies, and come closer to producing an integrated household system.

By bringing together a wide range of building design professionals, the Healthy House presents a good opportunity to achieve an understanding of the way ESD strategies work together, as part of a household system. Some strategies worked against each other, for example, the use of high tech water treatment and pumping systems has increased the overall on-site energy use, and while the steps in the plan facilitate daylighting and ventilation, they also increase the embodied energy of the house. As more data becomes available from the house, it will be possible to evaluate the success and cost of each ESD strategy as it interacts with the household system as a whole, and as it draws on community resources. This will enable future designers to set strong briefs which balance ESD outcomes, and further reduce the ecological impact of the home.