Due to high demand, our paving products are currently on backorder with an estimated lead time of approximately 10 weeks, not including delivery time. We appreciate your patience as we strive to fulfill orders and restock products. Thank you for understanding.

13 15 40
0

Achieving 7 Stars for Energy Efficiency: How Bricks Makes It Easy

  1. Home
  2. Achieving 7 Stars for Energy Efficiency: How Bricks Makes It Easy

With the new National Construction Code (NCC) mandating a 7-star energy efficiency rating for new home builds, you might be wondering how to meet this standard without breaking the bank.

The good news is that achieving a 7-star rating with brick is not only feasible but also highly effective.

Here’s how you can leverage the benefits of bricks to reach top energy efficiency ratings.

Thermal mass icon

What is Thermal Mass?

Thermal mass refers to a material’s ability to absorb, store, and release heat. Bricks, known for their high thermal mass, excel in this area. They slowly absorb heat during the day and release it over time, helping to keep your home naturally warm in winter and cool in summer.

By pairing high thermal mass bricks with good insulation, you can enhance this effect even further, leading to significant energy savings and a more comfortable living environment.

Thermal break icon

What Are Thermal Breaks?

Thermal breaks are essential barriers that reduce heat transfer between different building materials. They work by separating the exterior and interior layers of your home, minimising unwanted heat loss or gain.

Double brick construction maintains a thermal break between the layers, providing an advantage over lightweight materials. This results in a more energy-efficient home that maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the year.

Climate Control with Thermal Lag

Thermal lag is the delay in heat transfer from an exterior surface to an interior one.

High thermal mass materials, such as bricks, are beneficial here because they slow down the movement of heat.

This delay helps to reduce internal temperature fluctuations, keeping your home at a consistent temperature regardless of outside weather conditions.

Embracing brickwork means enjoying a more stable and comfortable living space year-round.

Orientation icon

Smart Home Orientation

Did you know that the orientation of your home can significantly affect its energy efficiency?

Aligning your main living areas to face north and shading western windows can optimise natural light and temperature control.

This simple adjustment can make a substantial difference in your home’s energy performance, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.

temperature icon

Insulation Tips

When striving for high energy efficiency ratings, insulation is crucial.

The great news is, the natural thermal mass of masonry can help reduce the amount of insulation needed.

By leveraging the inherent temperature-regulating properties of bricks, you can achieve your energy efficiency goals without excessive insulation, balancing cost and performance effectively.

Window Smarts

Large windows can be a significant source of heat loss, impacting your home’s energy efficiency.

To counter this, consider reducing the size of windows and installing awnings or shades.

These modifications can help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while still allowing natural light to brighten your space.

Living room with 3 windows on the right-side wall
Ventilation icon

Ventilation Matters

Proper ventilation is key to enabling passive cooling in your home.

By ensuring adequate airflow, you can keep your home comfortable without relying heavily on energy-intensive cooling systems.

Effective ventilation strategies allow for natural temperature regulation and contribute to overall energy savings.

So, achieving a 7-star energy rating is not only possible but also highly practical when you utilise the benefits of bricks alongside smart design strategies.

By leveraging thermal mass, managing thermal breaks, and optimising home orientation, you can easily meet the new energy efficiency standards.

Proud Members / Sponsors of

We acknowledge the Whadjuk and Balardong, Noongar people who are the Traditional Custodians of this land we meet on and the land we work with. We acknowledge all traditional custodians, their Elders past and present, and we pay our respects to their continuing connection to their culture, community, land, sea and water. Midland Brick is proud to be a part of BGC Australia's first Reconciliation Action Plan. BGC’s Reflect RAP is developed in recognition of our commitment to creating a workplace culture that is inclusive, where everyone feels safe at work and has opportunities to contribute, develop & thrive. It is our first formal step towards sustainably and strategically taking meaningful action to advance Reconciliation.

Payment

    <
  • Mastercard
    • <
  • Visa
Copyright © 2024 MIDLAND BRICK