Research House
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About the project
The Research House project investigates building ‘smarter’ and
more ‘environmentally responsive’ homes. It brings together new
and innovative design concepts, technologies and products and tests them in
a single living environment to improve housing for Queenslanders.
The project involves the design, construction and monitoring of a four-bedroom house in Rockhampton in central Queensland, based on the elements of Smart Housing – social, environmental and economic sustainability.
Partnerships have been established with sponsors and research partners in the private and public sectors. Their support and contributions enhance research while promoting sustainable regional development through collaborative decision-making, job creation and education.
Located on the corner of Campbell Street and Mary Blow Drive, Rockhampton, Queensland, Research House is home to a family of two adults and two teenagers.
Accolades for Research House
Since its opening in December 2001, Research House has received high accolades including a Housing Industry Association’ (HIA) national environmental housing award for its innovative environmentally sustainable design.
Judges from the 2002 HIA GreenSmart Awards said Research House “brings
together green design principles with the smart house concept and has a research
overlay which will provide a clear understanding for future mainstreaming
of affordable GreenSmart design”.
More detail: GreenSmart
awards
Research House has also received a Queensland Master Builders Association’ (QMBA) Housing and Construction Award (2002) under the category, ‘Excellence In Energy Aware Homes’ – Central Queensland Region, and Department of Public Works awards for ‘Leadership’ and ‘Innovation’.
The Departments of Housing and Public Works are working with major research partners, Central Queensland University coordinated by Associate Professor, Peter Wolfs, and Queensland University of Technology, to investigate whether the design principles and material applied in Research House assist in reducing energy, conserving water, and improving indoor air quality and ventilation. The research aims to establish that the house is more comfortable, affordable and environmentally responsible because of these features.
The research data is freely available to other researchers, government, the building industry and consumers to inform further planning of housing in Queensland. For the research methodology and findings visit http://www.engineering.cqu.edu.au/researchhouse/
Smart
Housing
Queensland Master Builders
Association
Housing Industry
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