Activity 14.3

DESIGNING ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOMES

Aim:

When you have completed this activity you will have prepared sketches and descriptions of energy-efficient homes.

• Prepare a scenario for an energy-efficient house that uses only renewable energy. Your scenario should include a sketch and a written description of an energy-efficient house. Mention the climatic zone in which the house is located. Ensure that you label on your sketch and outline in your description the particular characteristics of the following:
  • Walls;
  • Roof;
  • Size, location and shading of the windows;
  • Landscaping; Orientation on the block of land, that is, the direction of the house;
  • Lighting;
  • Floor plan;
  • Strategies for heating and cooling the house both actively and passively.

Also mention the source of non-renewable energy to be used, that is:

• The 'clean' energy purchased from a provider. Name the energy provider/company and give details of the costs;
• The type of onsite production of energy. Give details of the costs.
• Prepare a scenario for a house that is not energy-efficient. Again, you should include a sketch and a written description. You might select a new house design provided in the classified section of the newspaper and include in your scenario its location on an imaginary block of land, noting the climatic zone. Ensure that you label your sketch and outline in your description the features listed above.

Available as:

PDF – Activity 14.3

Top of page

Disclaimer. Copyright The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2000