Carbon neutral homes
What is a carbon-neutral home? What are the advantages of designing and building a carbon-neutral home? And is such a philosophy compatible with the calibre of luxury residences for which RMA is renowned? As specialists pioneering advances in residential architecture, clients increasingly ask us these questions.
Introducing carbon-neutral home design
At its simplest, a carbon-neutral home is a residence that, over time, produces zero net carbon emissions. This means that the amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated from the home's energy use is balanced by measures that eliminate or offset these emissions.
Considering carbon neutrality at the design stage of a home can involve a wide range of energy efficiency measures, as well as renewable energy sources such as solar power.
At RMA, we have encouraged this approach for many years. From energy-efficient appliances and lighting systems to high-performance insulation and heating or cooling systems, considering the elements at work within the home go a long way to creating a carbon-neutral home in its operation. Renewable energy systems such as solar panels can generate clean electricity to power a house, which minimises the use of fossil fuels.
Architecture for a carbon-neutral home
The design of a carbon-neutral home aims to minimise its carbon footprint as much as possible through well-understood techniques. These have all been part of RMA’s approach for many years.
The first of these is considering the orientation of a home within a site. At RMA, we take the time to carefully study the conditions of a site to best harness sunlight and wind. Known as passive design, this approach is critical to maximising the effects of cooling breezes in summer and northern sun in winter, reducing the need for energy-consuming appliances.
Another consideration we apply as a standard is the use of solar panels. Australia is blessed with abundant sunlight, and with strategically positioned panels and adequate battery storage, residents can capture and store power. Once again, this reduces the need for fossil fuel-burning electricity.
Finally, we carefully select the materials that go into each home – both behind the walls and within the interiors. From high-quality thermal insulation and window coverings to triple-glazed windows or Low-E glass, RMA consistently encourages materials that reduce heat loss significantly.
Carbon-neutral luxury homes are possible with RMA.
Our philosophy for sustainability is that a well-made home provides not only greater comfort and reduced running costs but also an investment of enduring value—an investment in the future.
That’s why, for us, design for a 7-star energy-rated home is just the beginning. While the broader construction industry has taken some time to reach this point, sustainability has always been at the core of RMA’s approach.
Our architecture considers passive solar heating and natural cross ventilation. We also encourage high-quality water-saving fixtures, water harvesting and purification systems. Solar panels are typically included as standard.
We also collaborate with 7-star energy-rating home builders who, like us, appreciate the practical difference these measures make on a new home.
Talk to Rob Mills and his team about designing a carbon-neutral home
As architects who are inspired by the natural world around us, we are naturally committed to doing everything we can to reduce carbon emissions. A responsible approach to sustainability in design starts with understanding the fundamentals and aiming for carbon neutrality, which is one way we can help you with this.
To learn more about carbon neutral home design at RMA, please contact our Melbourne or Sydney studios and arrange a time to talk with Rob Mills and his team.