CSR has completed the building research facility at Schofields, NSW where studies are taking place on how residential buildings for the future may be built more efficiently while delivering higher levels of energy efficiency and comfort as well as meeting the changing needs of the market.

The house is built to an 8 star energy efficient rating to provide a tangible experience for how CSR products and systems can be used to provide high levels of affordable, cost-effective energy efficiency in home designs.

Houses with an 8 star rating typically require around 75% less heating and cooling energy than the average Australian home*.

A range of PGH Bricks & Pavers feature in and around the house, providing functional and aesthetic qualities to the project. The construction consists of an insulated double brick cavity wall on the western facade to achieve a total system R-value of above 6 in summer and winter (CSR Thermal Performance Certificate, May 2012).

Also, brick veneer walls (with wall wrap, insulation and plasterboard) have been used in other areas of the building to allow for not only design aesthetics and minimal maintenance but thermal and acoustic insulation, contributing to the energy efficiency of the built home design.

Featured PGH bricks include:

  • Building facade - Pewter from the PGH Alchemy collection – double brick cavity wall and brick veneer walls
  • Garage parapet wall - Northbridge Roman Splits from the PGH Roman Splits collection
  • BBQ area - Wasabi bricks from the PGH Vibrant collection
  • Front perimeter wall to front of CSR House and garden area - Gledswood Blend bricks from the PGH Dry Pressed collection
  • Paved pathway - Peppercorn and Chestnut pavers from the PGH Wirecut collection

Nathan Benton, Construction Supervisor – CSR Innovations said,  “A range of PGH bricks, Hebel & Cemintel cladding systems were used to create a contemporary look to the house, adding a combination of PGH metallic, glazed and sandstock bricks, providing the home with great colours and textures, while providing low maintenance and upkeep.”

Innovation continues throughout the CSR House and on the exterior with CSR’s latest product, the Monier SolarTile. Monier’s SolarTile works in a similar capacity as a conventional ‘bolt on’ photovoltaic panel, but is specifically developed to integrate seamlessly with the Monier range of flat profiled concrete tiles.

“ We installed a 1.5 KW Monier SolarTile system, integrating seamlessly with Monier’s Horizon concrete tiles and it looks fantastic,” Nathan Benton said.

Featured Monier roofing products include:

  • Monier Horizon Roof Tiles in Barramundi which encompass the majority of the roof
  • Monier Horizon SolarTile (1.5Kw) and BP Solar Inverter for the main north facing roof
  • Monier A-Line Ridge  in Barramundi used for all Ridge Capping

Jenny Page, Colour Design Professional and Architectural Segment Manager, NSW, said, “Colours are an important part to the overall aesthetic of a home and for CSR House, Pewter bricks from the PGH Alchemy range were chosen for their contemporary, bold, metallic colour that visually anchors  the exterior of the building. To create a contrast, the Northbridge Roman Splits were used on the front garage as a neutral textured element.”

“The Wasabi bricks from the PGH Vibrant collection were used as a striking feature in the alfresco area and the bright, bold lime colour was repeated as an accent throughout the house on soft furnishings and as a kitchen splashback. To ensure a flow of colour throughout the project, the Hebel entry was painted in a colour matching the Wasabi bricks.”

“With the use of the Monier SolarTile, which integrates beautifully with the Monier Horizon Barramundi roof tiles, the system is barely noticed on the roofline, adding to its aesthetic appeal,” she said.

CSR House has met the HIA GreenSmart house guidelines for material use, energy efficiency, sustainability, waste minimisation, water efficiency, and landscaping and storm water management.

*NatHERS Starbands climate zone 2B. Average Australian home based on CSR research.