Wednesday 7 April 2010
THE eco architect who designed this year's MBA winner for
transportable homes has said we need to change the way we think
about traditional homes - and fast!
Mr Garry Baverstock of Ecotect-Architects said Western
Australians automatically thought 'bricks, tiles and colorbond'
when building homes and 'concrete' for office and industrial
sites.
"This traditional way of thinking is not helping us to construct
buildings better able to withstand freak storms and sustain
changing weather patterns," said Mr Baverstock.
He said it was time people became more familiar with climate
sensible design principles and the full range of available building
products.
"For example, instead of always using bricks to build a house
consider rammed earth and stone work because it lasts longer and
has less embodied energy involved in the supply of the material,"
said Mr Baverstock.
"Equally, when installing flooring consider products that best
reflect natural light and absorb heat from the sun during winter
months.
"And when looking to protect glass windows and doors from hail
and rain fit awnings and solar pergolas," he said.
Mr Baverstock said transportable homes were also a viable
option, particularly ones that can be easily dismounted and
reassembled.
"Transportable homes designed to comply with climate sensible
and cyclone-proof principles are ideal for people who live in
remote and regional locations and others keen to reduce energy
costs and carbon footprints," said Mr Baverstock.
"They are also appropriate for land owners who are unsure what
to do with their land in the short-term because they can later be
sold or moved to another location," he said.
Mr Baverstock said climate sensible buildings are healthy for
people because they require the effective use of ventilation,
natural light and minimal use of toxic materials.
"People with respiratory problems, such as asthma and
bronchitis, and others with illnesses such as depression find
living in climate sensible homes helpful," he said.
Mr Baverstock said Australians were highly creative and
innovative and he hoped they would use their imagination more when
looking to build and renovate.
.../ Ends
Further Information
Mr Garry Baverstock: Tel: 0419 965227 or 08-9286 3811
(Journalist) Jacinta Goerke: Tel: 0412
338813