Briefing Session: 6-Star - Planning for Better Outcomes

Current at: 18 March 2011

Presented by James Bertram, this Briefing Session will present findings from the As-Built Learning Exchange (ABLE) 6-Star Local Practice Project and explain what is required to achieve better 6-Star outcomes.

The WA Variation has been withdrawn and 6-Star will apply for BCA 2011, but research suggests DTS will NOT be the best assessment option!

ABLE’s 6-Star Local Practice Project investigated the issues builders, designers, regulators and assessors need to be aware of when making the transition from 5-Star DTS to 6-Star Modelling.

Project findings are based on assessment data from 35 single and two storey houses and nearly 3,000 simulations. This research and investigation process has generated useful local practice information about what to consider and how to achieve better 6-Star outcomes.

This Briefing Session will provide information about:

• Climate Zones – there are now four Metropolitan/Peel area Climate Zones. Project findings show that assessment outcomes vary significantly between Climate Zones and that the better outcomes are achieved when construction upgrades are tailored to the Climate Zone.
• Orientation – assessment outcomes can vary significantly as the orientation of the house changes. The project used eight typical orientations to determine the extent of variation and to investigate how to match house and site to achieve a better outcome.
• Construction – improving the thermal performance of the building fabric is one option for achieving 6-Star. The project investigated the cost efficiency of a range of typical upgrade options.
• Design – can provide low cost performance gains. The project investigated performance differences between typical project home design and the sales changes that are likely to deliver sales cost advantages.
• Software – there are three common practice softwares used for assessment. The project compared outcomes and looked at why outcome variances can occur.
• Cost – 6-Star compliance will affect process and construction costs. The project used current builder costs to measure likely per house costs and has investigated process changes that will deliver better outcomes.

Registration Details

Click the link below to download the Workshop Information sheet.

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