The Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV) has launched its 18th annual 10-Star Challenge and is inviting building designers to 'conceptualise' 10-Star energy-efficient homes.

Single Dwelling or Multi-Residential submissions will be judged on whether they achieve a level of thermal performance that requires no heating or cooling energy to maintain comfort conditions.

For the first time, the 10-Star Challenge will be expanded to all Australian climate zones this year.

BDAV President Michael O’Sullivan said the introduction of 6-Star energy standards in Victoria in 2011 has led to more design professionals designing new homes that are well beyond the regulatory standard.

“The need to develop more sustainable and energy-efficient homes has never been greater, with rising greenhouse emissions and household bills,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“Sustainable design is vital for all buildings in Australia, which is why building design professionals must challenge themselves to create homes for Victorians with higher energy star ratings that also meet aesthetic demand.

“The BDAV is committed to helping reduce greenhouse emissions; our members have long seen sustainable design as best practice. The 10-Star challenge highlights our commitment to the future of sustainable design. ” Mr O’Sullivan said.

10-Star Challenge ambassador and television personality James O’Loghlin said the initiative will showcase the state’s finest in environmentally-sustainable design.

“Australians are paying more attention to energy use in their homes and its impact on the environment, so the building industry is always finding new ways to approach sustainable design,” O’Loghlin said.

“The 10-Star Challenge will test building designers’ expertise in eco-friendly design that not only meets energy standards, but is cost-effective and at the forefront of innovation.

“This initiative goes a long way to dispel the myth that higher energy star ratings are unattainable.”

The competition is open to all building designers who are Full Members of the BDAV and who are Registered Building Practitioners at the closing date of the competition.

The only exception is entrants in the Student Category. Such entrants must be third-year students studying for the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) at a recognised TAFE institution at the closing date of the competition.

Architecture & Design Team

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