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Exploring Eco-Conscious Living at Palmview’s Harmony Estate with Sustainable House Builders on the Sunshine Coast
In this blog, we look at reasons why building a home in Harmony Estate, you’re not just investing in a beautiful and comfortable living space; composes your own opus of sustainable living.
5 min read | March 11, 2024 – 7.00am
Imagine waking up to sunlight filtering through energy-efficient windows, and stepping outside onto a balcony overlooking lush greenery. This isn’t just a dream; it’s a reality at Harmony Estate in Palmview, brought to life by AUSMAR, sustainable house builders on the Sunshine Coast.
AUSMAR isn’t just about bricks and mortar. We’re passionate about building eco-conscious homes, weaving sustainability into every aspect of their construction, from sourcing materials to managing waste. This dedication extends beyond environmental impact, fostering a community-centric approach and prioritising the well-being of residents.
Harmony with nature: A symphony of sustainable construction
Harmony Estate isn’t just named for its picturesque location; it embodies the principle of coexisting with nature. Here’s how AUSMAR translates this philosophy into action:
Locally sourced symphony: Minimising environmental impact is key. By utilising locally sourced and sustainable materials, AUSMAR reduces transportation emissions and supports the local economy. Imagine timber sourced from nearby forests, recycled materials from Sunshine Coast businesses, and steel fabricated in regional workshops – a symphony of local sustainability.
Waste management: Responsible waste management is crucial and AUSMAR’s off-site sorting process ensures maximum recycling of diverse materials like steel, polystyrene, copper, timber, and even cardboard packaging. This significantly reduces their landfill contribution, minimising their impact on the environment. Imagine turning construction waste into valuable resources, creating a harmonious cycle of reuse and reduction.
Energy-efficient design: Harmony Estate homes are designed to be in tune with nature’s rhythm. Passive design principles optimise natural light and ventilation, minimising reliance on artificial lighting and cooling systems. Imagine enjoying sun-drenched living spaces and gentle breezes, reducing your carbon footprint while maximising comfort. Additionally, as a leading sustainable house builder on the Sunshine Coast, AUSMAR incorporates high-performance insulation and energy-efficient appliances, further reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Water-wise solutions: Water conservation is another key focus. Water-efficient fixtures and appliances are installed, minimising water usage. Additionally, rainwater tanks are utilised for landscaping and other non-potable needs. Imagine collecting precious rainwater, nurturing your garden, and reducing your reliance on treated water – a harmonious flow of nature’s bounty.
Living green, living well: Home features that harmonise your lifestyle
Sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s about creating a healthy and comfortable living space.
Australians looking to build or buy a sustainable home are increasingly seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact and energy costs. Fortunately, there are several key features you can incorporate that offer both long-term benefits and immediate comfort.
Here’s 5 key features to consider when building a home in Harmony Estate:
1. Energy-efficient design: Your home’s symphony of efficiency
With rising utility costs, incorporating energy-efficient elements into your home design is a wise investment. Double-glazed windows, concrete floors with in-slab heating, and comprehensive insulation are popular choices, working together like a well-tuned symphony to reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills.
For an even bolder statement, consider solar panels or Trombe walls, dark masonry structures that capture and release heat naturally. These passive methods can significantly enhance your home’s thermal performance, making it a haven of comfort year-round.
2. Passive heating and cooling: Nature’s embrace in your home
Sustainable homes prioritise comfort through a concept called “passive design.” This involves seven key principles, including orientation, spatial zoning, thermal mass, ventilation, insulation, shading, and glazing. By carefully considering these elements, your home can harness natural heating and cooling methods, creating a space that’s both comfortable and environmentally friendly.
Imagine waking up to sunshine streaming through strategically placed windows, enjoying cool breezes from natural ventilation, and staying warm in winter thanks to clever thermal mass materials. Passive design allows you to live in harmony with your environment, reducing reliance on artificial systems.
3. Recycled and sustainable building materials: Breathing new life into existing resources
Sustainability isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about embracing creativity and resourcefulness. Pre-used materials offer a wealth of possibilities. Imagine repurposing beams for sub-floor structures, transforming outdoor brick pavers into bathroom flooring, or giving salvaged wood a new lease on life as a stunning feature wall.
For new materials, consider low-VOC paints and finishes for healthier indoor air, locally sourced options for reduced transportation emissions, and sustainably harvested wood products to ensure responsible forestry practices.
4. Wastewater treatment and reuse: Water wise for your future
Water is a precious resource, especially in Australia’s warm, dry climate. By making smart choices, you can significantly reduce your water consumption and impact. Invest in water-efficient fixtures and appliances rated at three stars or more.
Take your sustainability efforts to the next level with wastewater reuse systems. Greywater systems can be used for outdoor watering, laundry, and toilet flushing, while blackwater systems can nourish your gardens and lawns. These innovative solutions allow you to conserve water while maintaining a lush landscape.
5. Smart lighting: Illuminating sustainability one bulb at a time
Did you know that lighting accounts for a whopping 11% of energy consumption in Australian homes? Fortunately, switching to more efficient lighting technologies can make a big difference. Choose LED and CFL bulbs over traditional options, paying close attention to wattage rather than voltage.
For a truly ground-breaking eco-friendly approach, consider a C-Bus smart wiring system. This allows you to control and automate lighting throughout your home, further reducing your energy footprint and creating a convenient, future-proof living space.
Living in harmony with the community: The leading sustainable house builder on the Sunshine Coast’s commitment to local support
Sustainability extends beyond the environment. AUSMAR understands the importance of supporting the local community:
Local workforce: A Symphony of Collaboration: They proudly employ local Sunshine Coast tradespeople, minimising travel emissions and boosting the local economy. Imagine skilled tradespeople from your community building your home, fostering collaboration and economic prosperity.
Community engagement: A Symphony of Shared Purpose: AUSMAR actively engages with the Palmview community, participating in local initiatives and events. Imagine being part of a vibrant community, knowing your home builder shares your values and actively contributes to its betterment.
Choosing Harmony Estate: Your opus of sustainable living
By building a home at Harmony Estate, you’re not just investing in a beautiful and comfortable living space; you’re composing your own opus of sustainable living. With AUSMAR’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, local sourcing, and community engagement, you can be confident that your home is built with care for the environment and your well-being.
Ready to explore a life in harmony with nature and community? Contact AUSMAR today to learn more about Harmony Estate and discover your dream sustainable home.
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