Inadequate site selection decisions can eventuate in a closing-off of later desirable design options for efficient passive thermal design.

When making design decisions on thermal aspects of building materials and constructions, it is important to put them in perspective to maximise their performance – the inter-relational 'sweet-spot' – without compromising the liveability, aesthetics, buildability and economics of the completed project.

On balance, is there a long-term thermal and economic gain to be had from fitting insulation to the exterior face of a ‘slab-on-ground’ concrete floor... and is it as effective as it seems? 

Kiwis like to get things done – fast. The quicker the design period and the faster the build, the fewer overheads and less risk to the client and contractor. It makes good business sense. Or does it?

No matter how high the thermal performance of a window, it remains much less than the same area of a standard insulated wall. With this in mind, it would be wise to give the location of a building's windows careful consideration.

Just like thermal mass, insulation will keep you cold if you do not use it intelligently.

In his last blog Jerome Partington talked about the global and local sustainability crunch hitting people and communities hard across NZ and how we need to reconnect our future vision with nature – our key ally.

Thermal mass can have a positive or negative influence on the thermal performance of a building depending upon how it is used.

This month we introduce Jerome Partington to Detailed. Jerome is an expert in sustainable building practices and is a Senior Associate at Jasmax, where he helps create some of the most advanced sustainable projects in New Zealand. 

We are encouraged to insulate and double glaze our homes and even to add thermal mass.  While a bare minimum of each is not good, how much and in what proportion is best?