Airwaves Quarterly Newsletter Edition 5

Project showcase

Photography: Dan Preston Photography

Coastal Haven: A Masterclass in Tone + Sustainability

The warm glow of this passing summer enticed many of us to local beaches and coastal retreats to recoup after yet another busy year. But the dream of coastal living requires careful planning and design to enjoy the benefits of our vulnerable seaside locations and to minimise our energy use and impact on the natural environment.

Burnt Earth Beach House, designed by Wardle Studio is a stunning coastal haven which nestles gently into its natural surroundings in Anglesea on Victoria’s surf coast. This charming beachside home combines thoughtful architecture, carefully honed aesthetics, and sustainable design principles to minimise its impact.

The project

This delightful beach dwelling delivers the quintessentially Australian indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Large wall and window openings yawn onto outdoor entertaining areas and encourage cross ventilation and natural lighting. Passive heating and cooling principles are a priority with brick floors retaining valuable heat in winter, and adjustable blinds and shading keeping interiors comfortable in summer.

A central kitchen provides a strong centerpiece for the radiating floor plan with living areas flanking the generous courtyard zones.

Swathed in soft earthy tones throughout, the careful selection of terracotta tiles and bricks is inspired by the glow of Anglesea’s cliff faces nearby. And the textural rhythm created by the rough-torn face of the exterior’s bespoke brick design compliments the rich ochre hues emanating throughout this delightfully nuanced home. The unique palette of natural materials creates a warm, welcoming and intensely connected feel.

Project features

• • Designed to maximise views and manage interior temperatures
  • Windows placed to optimize light and ventilation
  • Effective shading via operable blinds and shutters
  • 100% electric throughout (heat exchange water system, hydronic heating and solar)
  • Terracotta tiles and bricks from Cotto Manetti
  • Bespoke exterior bricks in collaboration with brickmaker, Klynton Krause
  • Selection of durable natural materials for longevity and subtle weathering

Aesthetic concerns often need clever management to meet energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

Here, the Burnt Earth Beach House employs

• • Heavily insulated floor and slab to compliment the use of terracotta (which readily conducts temperature)
  • Limited solid timber use (to windows, some structural elements) in favour of recycled flooring and veneer finishes to joinery

To aid with passive cooling across living zones, the sweeping Fanco Infinity-iD 54” ceiling fan was selected to enhance ventilation and interior comfort. Hovering at the heart of the space, the Infinity iD is both functional and a stylish compliment to the subtle colour palette of the home. This model’s minimalist design blends perfectly with the angularity of the floor plan and interior design motifs.

The last word

Burnt Earth Beach House meets both aesthetic and sustainability goals with great success. The home’s quiet unassuming presence belies its carefully resolved and thoughtful design. The Australian Institute of Architects commends the clever handling of materials and design in this award-winning project:

‘The home embodies a lifetime of honing formal and spatial language and a delight in drilling into detail’

2024 AIA Jury Citation

Can we help?

If you’re looking to build with finesse and have ventilation or energy efficiency challenges to solve, our capable team of ventilation consultants can assist with the most ambitious project, large or small. Arrange a chat with one of our friendly team.

an eye on the future

Let’s Air It: The Future of Ventilation

Good ventilation is mandated in every new build or renovation, whether it’s a home or workspace. And changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) are shaping the future for well-ventilated and healthful spaces.

So, what’s the thinking behind good ventilation and why is it important?

Good ventilation…

• extracts moist, stale air from interiors
• removes impurities (such as smells and smoke)
• reduces unwanted heat from interiors
• circulates fresh air in enclosed spaces (such as bathrooms)

And – increasingly – good ventilation, which allows the ready flow of fresh air into our homes can be achieved hand-in-hand with energy-efficient design.

EXHAUST FANS & VENTILATION

(how they work, and regulations you should know)

Exhaust fans help eliminate condensation and mold in moist, enclosed areas such as bathrooms and laundries. They also extract unpleasant smells, heat and smoke.

1) Energy Saving Initiatives

Check out energy saving initiatives offered by your local state or territory government bodies. These vary from region to region, and include initiatives such as

• Free installation of backdraft shutters in Victoria to seal existing exhaust fans – preventing unwanted air seepage when the system is not in use, and helping you save on heating and cooling bills

Note: Often small cost-effective changes to your home can make a real difference in creating a comfortable and energy efficient living environment.

2) Run-on Timers

The NCC requires that an exhaust fan in an enclosed bathroom – that is, one with no natural ventilation – must be installed with a run-on timer and link to the room’s light switch. (Check out the natural ventilation requirements here)

Why are run-on timers important?

• • They continue to work for 10 minutes after the light is switched off
  • They extract moist air
  • They prevent mold growth
  • They ensure the enclosed room is adequately ventilated
  • They ensure the exhaust fan doesn’t run for too long (this can be a fire risk if the fan is not designed for 24-hour use)

3) Humidity Sensors

Exhaust fans with built-in humidity sensors are another handy option to manage mold and moisture in your home.

These fans…

• • turn on automatically when humidity reaches a set level in the room
  • are useful in enclosed areas with high moisture levels (such as bathrooms and laundries)

CONTINUOUS VENTILATION SYSTEMS

(a breath of fresh air for new builds and renovations)

Continuous ventilation systems manage air quality in our homes, allowing a higher rate of air changes throughout the day. They exchange stale, stuffy air for fresh filtered air at a slow, constant rate.

These units work away quietly and efficiently, improving interior air quality, and preventing problems with condensation and mold growth.

Heat Recovery Ventilation

As we manage our family’s energy efficiency goals, our homes are becoming more sealed and protected from winter chills and summer heat. Today’s living spaces are more air-tight, and it’s time to consider…

How we can get enough fresh, healthy air into our homes

Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems are a clever solution for our snug, sealed houses. HRV systems deliver freshly filtered air direct to our living spaces, while maintaining a comfortable interior temperature. And – importantly – all without using a heating element.

There are both centralised and decentralised HRV options, designed for use in sealed home environments.

The difference between the two is in the systems’ capabilities. Decentralised HRV systems – such as the Fanco Habitat (in both remote-controlled or Wi-Fi models) – are also known as ‘single room’ systems. These are most suitable for smaller spaces and apartments.

Centralised systems are ideal for larger homes and some commercial properties, and are particularly suitable for new builds combined with sustainable design principles.

Product News

Fanco are excited to announce a centralised HRV system ready to order – Habitat Central! Designed to mount horizontally or vertically, this versatile unit is complete with humidity & temperature sensors already included and various controller options to choose from. Stay ahead of the pack, enquire now for more details.

Home ventilation is our jam.

If you need practical advice about continuous ventilation options for your new build or home renovation, we have flexible made-to-order systems to suit your project. Arrange a chat with our friendly team today.

Photography: Fanco website

a world of design

Sharing the airwaves love around, each edition, we shine the spotlight on a design project deserving your attention. Projects making big moves. Gaining respect globally. Leading the way in innovation and sustainability.

This month, our team’s pick is Baigorria Housing Project (Granadero Baigorria, Santa Fe, Argentina)

Social Housing. Designed for the Individual.

Multifamily housing across the world is known for monotonous and repetitive design, and cramped living quarters. Designed by architects, Balparda Brunel Oficina de Arquitectura (BBOA) in Argentina, the Baigorria Housing Project is a refreshing change. This unique development acknowledges the social disadvantage arising from a dull and formulaic approach and tackles the challenge head on.

Baigorria is a series of multifamily apartment buildings for local residents who find landownership out of reach. Situated on a 3.3 hectare, state-owned site, the project features a grid arrangement of buildings of varying heights — three-, four- and eight-storey structures offer 105 housing units and eight commercial spaces.

What we love about this project

Part of PRO.CRE.AR, a housing credit program, government-subsidised lines of credit enable residents to own their own homes in the complex.

Built on former National Railway Project land, Baigorria’s soft pink brick-clad facades take their cue from historic railway stations in the local region. Within this distinctive skin, floor plans vary by reversing living and bedroom zones, and alternating outlooks maximise views and create a sense of individuality amongst the dwellings.

This also allows for the creation of shared terraces and a central communal courtyard in the lower blocks. The taller buildings – 3 in total – are split into two conjoined blocks, and thoughtfully staggered to optimise views for residents.

Where the project shines

• • Multifamily housing with an emphasis on individuality
  • Variety of building heights and apartment orientations
  • Fosters sense of community
  • Designed to maximise light, ventilation and views
  • Flexible internal spaces linked by stairs and walkways

Baigorria fills a local need for affordable multifamily accommodation which rejects the usual monotony of state housing complexes, and strikes a fine balance between social and aesthetic cohesion, and a sense of individuality.

Find out more about Baigorria Residential Building

Want to know more about BBOA? View their other projects here.

Photography: Javier Agustín Rojas

As we move into the cooler months, and out of the faster pace of summer, it could be the perfect opportunity to plan your next build or renovation. Our expert ventilation team are here to help.

Get in touch 

Thanks for reading! We hope you’ll join us for the next issue. 

airwaves is an exciting industry collaboration from Universal Fans X Fanco. A membership publication for Universal Fans industry partners, this unique resource is released quarterly, and showcases real-life projects demonstrating innovative approaches to air movement in residential and commercial spaces, cutting edge technology and inspirational design.

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