This project in Minnamurra involved a bespoke two-storey home designed to maximise river views and create a high-quality living environment. However, the architectural ambition presented sustainability challenges – particularly regarding the building’s form factor and extensive use of glazing.
The proposed dwelling had a high form factor—meaning a greater external surface area relative to floor area – which increased thermal inefficiency and made it more difficult to achieve a compliant NatHERS rating. Initial assessments indicated the need to significantly reduce glazing and upgrade to costly construction materials to meet the energy performance targets, risking design compromises and budget blowouts.
Our Approach
Plan for Tomorrow provided both BASIX and NatHERS services, approaching the assessment holistically. Rather than proceed with standard NatHERS software alone, we leveraged BASIX DIY to test alternative compliance pathways. This allowed us to preserve Aurora Building Design’s material selection and overall vision while adjusting the window-to-floor and glazing ratios strategically. This more flexible method provided a pathway to compliance without diminishing the project’s architectural intent.
The Outcome
We successfully delivered a compliant BASIX Certificate and NatHERS assessment that retained the project’s design character while improving thermal performance. Our approach avoided unnecessary material upgrades and allowed the designer to maintain the large-format windows central to the home’s connection with the riverfront site. The result is a sustainable, cost-efficient home aligned with both regulatory and client expectations.
