News and Media
29 October 2009
Contract signed for first six-star Defence house
Defence Housing Australia (DHA) has signed the first of 56 contracts to deliver six-star energy efficient homes for Defence families.
The first six-star home will be built in Toowoomba, Queensland. A further 25 will be delivered in Blakeview, South Australia, 20 in Canberra and 10 in Wodonga, Victoria. Construction of all properties is expected to be completed during 2010.
DHA’s six-star construction initiative is in advance of the Federal Government’s plan, through the Council of Australian Government (COAG), to introduce a six-star rating in the Building Code of Australia by May 2010. This will mean that all homes undergoing building approval will be required to meet the higher rating.
In building these homes, DHA has considered aspects such as the orientation of the home to optimise ventilation and solar penetration; an increased level of insulation in ceilings, walls and suspended floors; the use of wide eaves and awnings for shade and tinted glazing to windows. In addition, the use of natural lighting, energy and water efficient appliances and light-coloured building materials to maximise reflected heat will be implemented wherever possible.