felixandrews

Costs and benefits.

For transparency, progress and accountability of a model that is central to the Australian residential building sector affecting millions. (Ownership can remain with CSIRO.)

Insulating 1969-era architectural downlights in a raked ceiling.

What are the goals of housing energy efficiency regulation? How does the current system deliver on those goals?

NatHERS really likes concrete floors. If you don’t have a concrete slab, you will have a hard time getting your star rating. But this depends on at least two questionable assumptions.

Or to put it another way, NatHERS lets big houses off the hook. In two ways. Because small houses naturally have more surface area; and energy use limits are per square metre, not per house.

I needed a place to store and use my tools. A shed-workshop. I made it as soundproof as I could, for the neighbours (or maybe just to learn about soundproofing). Construction took 2-3 months and cost $6k.

A simple, functional space. Unobtrusive both visually and acoustically.

The simplest thing that could possibly work.

Sheet metal with ventilated cavity. Low cost, highly durable.

Made from offcuts and shortcuts.

Air seals, insulation, staggered studs, double plasterboard, acoustic underlay, secondary glazing.