VIEW » See
the lightweight home solutions interactive diagram at the 5 Star timber
sub-floor web site
Suspended timber floors provide not
only 5
Star efficiency, they also offer consumers, builders, designers and
the environment a range of valuable
benefits. These include:
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a light footprint which is easy on
the environment (essential for sloping sites – by far the
best construction method – minimising destructive earthworks and
costs of expensive retaining walls and stormwater systems) |
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the perfect choice when building in potentially low
lying, flood prone areas – ensures that the occupants and their belongings are high and dry |
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ease of construction and adjustment on site |
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easy on the home owners' feet and legs |
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allows the most efficient placement
of heating systems – ducted through the floor (as we all know, heat rises!), and most importantly |
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the most environmentally friendly building material – grown using solar energy and absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) while emitting oxygen. |
While the existing 5 Star Energy Rating requirements for new homes built
in Victoria only consider the impact of the house's operational energy
(heating and cooling) these broader environmental and consumer benefits
should not be ignored.
5 Star can easily be achieved by most homes with raised
timber sub-floors through smart design and good construction methods.
Since 1 May 2008 many renovations, extensions and relocations have to conform
to 5 Star Energy Rating requirements. The new standard for renovations
or relocations applies to the thermal performance of a home and does not require
a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank for toilet flushing. Visit the Building
Commission web site for more information (opens in a new window).
5 Star energy rating software
It is critical that the right software is used.
For timber sub-floors this means the second generation software, based
on the AccuRate design engine, such as Sustainability Victoria's FirstRate5 design
software package.
Research by the CSIRO has shown that using the new second generation energy
rating software, AccuRate, a suspended timber floor's thermal performance
has improved between 0.5 and 0.75 of a star, making it easier to reach
the 5 Star goal.
Visit the 5 Star timber sub-floor web site for more information.
If you would like to be kept informed please contact us at info@wpv.org.au.
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