Changing the way we build and subsequently live in our homes can significantly reduce the detrimental effects that our lifestyle has on the environment and our health. the Research House demonstrates Smart Housing - good practice in design, planning and building homes to make them more socially, environmentally and economically sustainable - and contemporary technologies that aim to promote energy and water conservation, increase the use of recycled materials and minimise the use of construction materials that emit potentially harmful gases.
The following virtual tour allows you to navigate through the Research House by selecting a room, or a section of the house or garden, from the list at the top of the page. As you move through the virtual tour, Smart Housing features, fixtures and fittings in the house are showcased. Listed beside each feature are the relevant principles of Smart Housing - universal design, safety, security, resource efficient and cost-efficient over time - and explanatory text on why the individual product, material or fitting is sustainable. Along with the principles of Smart Housing, products and materials that are being tested will have 'research' listed beside the feature heading.
Where possible, web links to further information are provided below the explanatory text. These links will provide an understanding of sustainability and guide you when making decisions about fittings and fixtures for your home. The sites that appear in the Research House virtual tour include information about sponsored fittings and fixtures, product rebate schemes, building industry associations, government agencies and the Research House research partners.
Sponsors and PartnersFurther information about the elements of Smart Housing and the research being conducted is outlined below.
A Smart House has been designed with people in mind:
Safety : Safety is about preventing injuries in and around the home.
Security : Security is about using design and fixtures or fittings to reduce crime.
Universal Design : A universally designed home is flexible and comfortable for people with varying abilities and at different stages in their lives.
A Smart House is resource efficient. A Smart House will reduce environmental impacts through the efficient use of water and energy resources and careful selection of materials to reduce waste .
A Smart House is cost-efficient over time. This means smart features are included in the initial design and construction, reducing the cost of changes and modifications in the future.
Quantitative and qualitative research is being conducted in the Research House to identify the success of Smart Housing in practice, and to test new and innovative building products and materials. Seventy-six sensors are placed throughout the house to measure energy use, water use and thermal issues. Weekly tenant feedback forms provide valuable insight into living in a Smart House.
© The State of Queensland (Department of Public Works) 2003.