Chelsea: Designing a high-performance home in Lorne
- Moonah Atelier
- Aug 21, 2024
- 1 min read
High-performance design is the future of building down here in Lorne, Victoria. Compared to a standard house, it consumes less energy and water while offering superior temperature control and noise reduction. These homes are designed holistically to provide enhanced comfort and sustainability, with adaptable design options to reduce living costs and improve general well-being.
Our "Chelsea House" project in Lorne, VIC, embodies these principles, integrating advanced features that elevate energy efficiency and comfort. Notably, decentralised heat recovery systems ensure consistent ventilation while retaining warmth, significantly reducing energy loss. Cross battens facilitate effective air circulation behind walls, preventing moisture buildup from the coastal breezes of Lorne. Intello Airwraps maintain air tightness while allowing vapour permeability, optimising indoor air quality. Our blower door test confirmed the home's performance with an impressive 2.6 air changes per hour at plaster stage, far surpassing the average Australian home, which typically has around 30 air changes per hour (as per the Your Home guide).
Complementing our other high-performance measures, the R7 insulation in the ceiling and R6 in the floors provide exceptional thermal retention. Strategic glazing on the north-facing wall maximises passive solar gain, while reduced glazing on the south side minimises heat loss, crucial during Lorne’s cold winters. Double-glazed uPVC windows further enhance insulation and noise reduction. Ceiling fans in bedrooms and living areas improve air circulation, reducing the reliance on mechanical cooling during Lorne’s splendid Surf Coast summers. Collectively, these elements create an exceptionally efficient and comfortable living environment in Lorne, VIC.
