RenovatingMaking HOME Episode 8: Sustainability, Health & Automation
Sustainability was a high priority for this renovation, so we focused on environmentally sound choices and embraced automation and health-focused solutions.
“I’ve been renovating for 20 years, but this time round it was more important than ever to balance the owner’s current needs with potential future environmental impacts. We wanted to focus on building a home that’s efficient to run, easy to enjoy and ecologically sound.”
Nikki from the Making HOME team
When it comes to renovating, sustainability involves using eco-friendly products, improving energy efficiency and considering the long-term impacts of a home. With no one immune from the effects of climate change, sustainability was top of mind when we planned this renovation and as such solar was an essential ingredient to the project.
In Episode 8, we walk you through the way we embraced solar power to make this home environmentally viable now and well into the future.
We also show you how we made smart choices when it comes to automation and health to make this home easy to run and enjoyable to live in.
How We Approached Sustainability, Health and Automation
In this incredible renovation, we balanced elements of sustainability, health and automation to create an eco-friendly home that’s undeniably liveable. Scroll down to find out what we used to achieve such a balanced outcome.
Solar
If there was one thing we considered to be non-negotiable with this renovation, it was the main power source. We universally wanted to embrace solar for its environmental and long-term economic benefits, and for that reason, we partnered with Solahart.
We began by installing cutting-edge Solahart Silhouette® 440W panels with dual-glass bi-facial technology. This ensures energy is captured efficiently from both sides of the panels. This setup is complemented by a 10kW GoodWe Hybrid 3-phase inverter.
For energy storage, we chose two innovative solutions. First, the Solahart PowerStore® smart-electric water heater stores surplus solar energy as hot water for later use. Additionally, the GoodWe Lynx F High-Voltage Battery system captures and stores excess solar energy, providing backup power during blackouts and supporting the home’s energy needs.
The Solahart Home Energy Management System (HEMS) helps the owners control their electricity usage by managing the connected appliances automatically. Accessible through the Solahart atHome web app, HEMS makes energy consumption easy to manage and track.
Magnesium Water
When it came to building the pool, we wanted its benefits to be its proudest feature and that’s why we chose to use MagnaPool® Minerals.
A world away from the stingy eyes and awful smell of chlorine, magnesium pools use water that is silky-smooth on the skin, scent-free and works wonders on tired muscles.
Magnapool contains a combination of magnesium chloride potassium chloride and magnesium chloride, so it is completely free from salt and chlorine. We consider it the healthy option when it comes to backyard swimming pools; it’s a product that enhances enjoyment and physical well-being.
Discover more about the wide-ranging health benefits of magnesium pools!
Automated Blinds
Automated blinds were an easy way to add increased convenience and livability to this house.
TUISS Blinds Online provided us with premium automated window furnishings in the Living Room, Laundry and Study – and we’re obsessed with each of them! They all enhance security, light control and privacy while being a cinch to install and operate, hands-free!
What makes TUISS Blinds Online automated blinds so brilliant is that they operate with a remote control and/or app. So not only can you control multiple window furnishings with one device, but you can do so without getting off the couch.
Underfloor Heating
Many renovators shy away from underfloor heating because they think it’s expensive. The truth is, like solar, underfloor heating offers long-term economic and livability benefits that far outweigh any upfront costs.
We partnered with Beaumont Tiles to install Hotwire Underfloor Heating in this home’s Bathrooms and Studio Apartment and we’re thrilled with the health and sustainability benefits it brings to the home.
A heated floor means more even heat distribution in a designated area and less reliance on external heaters (which are always expensive to run!). Better yet, underfloor heating can be zoned, which means less wasted energy and lower running costs overall.
Compatible with solar renewable energy, underfloor heating is a fabulous way to keep rooms dry, cosy and warm throughout the seasons.
Laundry Appliances
It’s no secret that home appliances can be energy guzzlers and germ spreaders. To avoid unnecessary economic, environmental and health strain on the home, we partnered with Samsung to install premium laundry appliances.
With features such as intelligent AI control, Steam functions that eliminate germs and energy efficiency, these products help minimise the household’s carbon footprint while optimising every family member’s wellbeing
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