Energy Ratings

The New Standard for Energy Performance

Energy ratings measure the thermal comfort of a home by calculating its predicted heating and cooling loads.

A NatHERS Star Rating provides a scientific baseline for how a home will perform year-round. It is the most reliable indicator of a building’s energy efficiency and its ability to remain comfortable with minimal mechanical intervention.

The Transition to 7 Stars The industry has moved beyond the old 6-star standards. Under the latest National Construction Code (NCC), a minimum 7-star rating is now the benchmark for building approval. We specialize in providing 7-star solutions that balance regulatory compliance with design integrity.

Our Collaborative Approach We work with Architects, owner-builders, and developers to ensure that energy performance is integrated into the project from the earliest stages.

Optimizing Passive Solar Design: This is the most cost-effective path. By refining orientation, shading, and thermal mass, we can often reach the 7-star threshold through design alone, reducing the need for expensive mechanical systems.
Performance Modelling & Strategic Materials: For complex sites or specific architectural visions where orientation is fixed, we provide detailed modelling to find the most economical path to compliance. We prioritize “high-impact” upgrades—such as advanced insulation or strategic shading—before considering more capital-intensive options like high-performance glazing.

Beyond the Shell: Whole-of-Home Current regulations now encompass “Whole-of-Home” performance, looking at a building’s total energy footprint. We provide the technical expertise to ensure your project meets these comprehensive modern standards seamlessly.

Design Optimization & Orientation Mapping For clients with repeatable designs or modular projects, we offer specialized analysis that rates a single design across all 8 orientations and across Perth’s distinct climate zones. This identifies the “thermal limits” of a design, ensuring it can be adapted successfully to any site or orientation.