Entry is now open for the BDAV 10-Star Sustainable Design Challenge organised by the Building Designers Association of Victoria to promote environmentally sustainable home design.

Open to all BDAV members, the competition challenges participants to design an environmentally sustainable residential building, which will be assessed by a panel of industry representatives on specific criteria.

The BDAV 10-Star Sustainable Design Challenge underlines the importance of environmentally sustainable design when building new homes in Australia, especially the potential of these homes in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy bills. The competition also provides an opportunity for building designers and design firms to demonstrate their skills in designing environmentally sustainable houses to a wider audience.

The challenge is to prepare a residential design across any climate zone in Australia in single dwelling and/or multi-residential project categories and achieve a NatHERS 10 Star energy rating.

ENTRY CRITERIA

The competition is open to all BDAV members. Any of the currently accredited NatHERS software (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5) may be used to confirm performance. NatHERS energy rating must be completed by a NatHERS accredited assessor.

CLOSING DATE

The closing date for entries is 4pm Friday, 2 December 2016.

JUDGING CRITERIA 

Entries will be evaluated on the basis of exceptional design and admirable architecture; innovative implementation of passive design principles, design features, landscaping and shading; integration of the design into the landscape with consideration of indoor/outdoor connection of the design; use of innovative and environmentally sustainable materials and products; adaptability and versatility of design to suit different occupants; affordability and considered construction methods; design sympathetic to local neighbourhood character (where applicable) and compliance with relevant planning controls; and considered use of renewable energy and other low environmental impact technologies.

RECOGNITION

All entries achieving 10 stars will be acknowledged with a certificate, allowing the participant to market that level of professional excellence to their clients.

The finalists will be invited to present their design at the BDAV February CPD Seminar held during the Sustainable Living Festival. The winner(s) will be announced at this event.

The BDAV will promote the finalists and winner(s) via its communication channels including social media.

The NatHERS Administrator has also agreed to promote via their communication channels.

Enter here.

Image: Winner Single Dwellings 2013 - Michael Michielin, MichSquared Design in collaboration with Emma Schmutzer and Fatih Tek