Energy efficient homes the smart way to go
2006-06-01
THERE has been quite a buzz of late surrounding the concept of ‘smart houses’.
Perceived as a territory of the very rich, the smart house is often interpreted as a home that runs entirely on technology, with a main frame computer doing everything from opening the curtains to lighting the fire.
More recently, the term has also come to mean a home that is energy efficient and requires little maintenance, owing to careful consideration when choosing building materials, energy, option and positioning.
Bruce Swain, Regional Director of Re/Max of Southern Africa, comments, “We are getting more frequent requests for eco-friendly homes.
"Solar power, in particular, has suddenly moved up the list of priorities owing to the country’s energy shortage worries.”
On a corporate level, there is increasing pressure on large businesses to be ecologically responsible.
Companies such as Woolworths, have taken this call to heart and are introducing more energy efficient lighting and cooling processes in their new stores.
Cape Town-based architectural firm, Bomax, say there are very few technologically smart homes in South Africa owing to the huge costs involved.
Architect, Corné von Bratt, says, “You are looking at a cost of at least R250 000 for the central computer required to perform your basic smart house functions.
These are highly complicated systems that are also costly to maintain and upgrade.
“Added to this, their functional control means you will be truly lost if your system breaks down.
"What is more relevant to South Africans right now, is that they are buying, building and renovating homes that best serve themselves and their environment.”
There are several simple ways to identify eco-smart choices when house hunting or building on a plot.
The most important is the orientation of the house. Maximum energy can be sustained if the house has mass walls on the Western side.
“These thick walls will store sunlight during the day and release that heat during the cool of the evening,” says von Bratt.
This system prevents the need for costly air-conditioning units.
Another immediate energy saver is the use of insulation. The most obvious application for this is in the roof, but it can also be used under flooring and inside of walls.
Ancient organic building techniques provided for insulation and some of these techniques are enjoying renewed popularity as demand grows for alternate building materials.
Cob houses are made of sand, straw, clay and water and are known to be durable, fire-resistant, energy efficient and inexpensive to build.
Furthermore, the cob technique is easily taught and a wonderful exercise in community growth through home building.
Whatever materials your home is built from, installing solar panels will increase the value and desirability of your home.
A small investment will definitely pay off in the long run by curbing or cutting your electricity bills.
It is also a relatively unique and increasingly desirable selling point when you decide to put your home on the market.
“Save money, protect the planet and live in a low impact, non-toxic space.
"With a little forward planning, all of these ideals can be achieved, whilst also improving your quality of life and that of the greater community too,” says Swain.
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