sustainable design
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DHW is a signatory to Australian Architects Declare Climate & Biodiversity Emergency (https://au.architectsdeclare.com/)
Please see our Sustainability Action Plan
In this Sustainability Action Plan (SAP), we aim to set out a firm basis and framework to ensure that as we go forward and develop that we are involved with a more sustainable model of architecture through our own internal culture and work practices. Through our engagement with our community and the broader environment and through the design outcomes and solutions we provide to our clients and building users.
Caring For Country
As a growing field of understanding that many non-indigenous Australians are continuing to engage further in, we are committed to developing resources in this area and sharing knowledge as we come into contact with it ourselves. With much gratitude to those developing these resources - that enable more people to become aware of the importance of caring for country - please see below some links containing various types of information about the subject.
​We can provide:
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thermal comfort reports
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BASIX certificates
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NatHERS ratings
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sustainability advice
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ESD consulting
​We are:
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ABSA accredited
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With NatHERS assessments, we specialise in large and complex homes. We also have extensive experience in modelling unusual constructions. More importantly, we can assist clients who want to make their homes as thermally comfortable as possible and to go beyond basic regulatory requirements.
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For existing homes that are being renovated, we often do thermal performance modelling to assist the design process: advising on optimum insulation levels, positions, the size and type of glazing, shading devices, etc. As part of this process, we can provide reports with detailed graphs which provide predictions of likely temperatures within rooms so that clients can see how comfortable the house will be. This can assist greatly with selecting heating and cooling systems as well as optimising the most efficient combination of insulation, glazing types and shading, etc.
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If you are not thinking of renovating but would like to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient, we can undertake a walk-through inspection with you and provide advice on retro-fitting strategies. Undertaking a thermal performance modelling can be a useful part of this process.
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The changing climate is making it much harder for homes to be comfortable during periods of extreme weather. Let us help you to make your home more resilient, more comfortable and more energy efficient so you are better placed to deal with these extremes as they become more prevalent.