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What makes a high-performance home? Modern building science explained

What is a high-performance home?

In recent years, the term “high-performance home” has evolved beyond just a buzzword; it reflects a growing movement toward better-built, healthier, and more efficient residential structures. With rising energy costs, increasing climate awareness, and evolving building standards, both homeowners and developers are now prioritising performance just as much as aesthetics.

But what truly defines a high-performance home in Australia’s climate, especially in regions like Queensland? In this article, we dive deep into the science, strategies, and standards behind high-performance homes and why they’re the future of construction.


Key principles of a high-performance home

Airtightness

Airtightness refers to the home’s ability to control the flow of air in and out of the building envelope. When a home is properly sealed, it prevents the infiltration of unconditioned outdoor air and the loss of heated or cooled indoor air. This control is crucial for achieving energy efficiency, reducing HVAC load, and maintaining comfort throughout all seasons. Airtight homes also protect against moisture intrusion and mould growth, which are especially problematic in humid Queensland conditions.

Thermal Insulation

Thermal insulation works hand-in-hand with airtightness to maintain consistent internal temperatures. Insulation materials such as glass wool, EPS panels, or spray foam act as barriers that slow heat flow through walls, roofs, and floors. In summer, this keeps the heat out; in winter, it keeps warmth in. Without adequate insulation, homes rely more on mechanical systems, increasing energy bills and reducing comfort.

High-performance glazing

Windows are a major weak point in most homes. High-performance glazing, such as double or triple-pane glass with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings and argon gas fills, significantly reduces heat gain and loss. This helps control solar radiation, reduces glare, improves acoustics, and contributes to energy efficiency. Especially in sun-drenched areas of the Gold Coast, controlling the solar load through glazing is essential.

Controlled ventilation

Sealing a home too tightly without providing proper ventilation can lead to stale air, odours, and moisture buildup. Controlled mechanical ventilation—such as HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) or ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation) systems ensures that fresh air is introduced and stale air is expelled, without wasting energy. This is critical for occupant health, especially in airtight buildings.


Passive design strategies in Queensland

North-facing glazing for winter sun

In the southern hemisphere, north-facing windows allow low-angle winter sunlight to penetrate deep into the home, passively warming living spaces. In Queensland, careful glazing placement ensures maximum benefit during cooler months without causing overheating in summer.

Shading and eaves for summer protection

Eaves, awnings, pergolas, and external blinds can block high-angle summer sun while still allowing winter sun to enter. Correct shading not only enhances comfort but also reduces reliance on air conditioning systems. Materials such as metal louvres or operable external blinds provide seasonal control for both sun and rain protection.

Cross ventilation

Cross ventilation uses pressure differences and window placements to draw air naturally through a space. Strategic alignment of operable windows on opposite walls, combined with ceiling fans or clerestory windows, encourages airflow and cools down interior spaces, critical in Queensland’s subtropical climate.

Thermal mass

Thermal mass refers to materials that absorb, store, and release heat slowly. Concrete floors, brick walls, or rammed earth act as thermal batteries, stabilising indoor temperatures. For example, during summer, concrete floors stay cool underfoot; in winter, they retain heat from daytime sun and radiate it into the night.


Choosing the right materials

Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC)

AAC blocks and panels are lightweight, fire-resistant, and thermally efficient. Their porous structure offers high insulation values and soundproofing, making them ideal for exterior walls in high-performance homes. AAC is also easy to cut and install, reducing labour time and waste on-site.

Insulated concrete forms (ICFs)

ICFs are rigid foam blocks filled with concrete, offering exceptional airtightness and thermal performance. ICF systems are popular in bushfire-prone or cyclone-prone regions due to their durability, energy efficiency, and acoustic insulation. Though more expensive upfront, they deliver long-term savings in energy and maintenance.

Solar-reflective roofing and cladding

These materials use coatings or finishes that reflect solar radiation rather than absorbing it. In hot climates, reflective roofs (often white or light-coloured metal sheeting) can reduce cooling loads by up to 30%. Cladding options like fibre cement with reflective coatings also support heat deflection.

Double or triple-glazed windows

Modern glazing systems reduce heat exchange through the windows while also minimising noise intrusion. Frames also matter—thermally broken aluminium or uPVC frames with multi-point locks enhance both thermal and air sealing. In exposed or traffic-heavy locations, triple-glazing adds another layer of comfort and performance.


Certifications that matter

NatHERS

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) rates the energy efficiency of Australian homes on a scale of 0 to 10 stars. A 6-star rating is the minimum required, but high-performance homes often aim for 7.5–9 stars. NatHERS assesses orientation, materials, insulation, glazing, and ventilation to calculate how much artificial heating or cooling is needed.

Passive House

Passive House (or Passivhaus) is a German-born standard that certifies buildings with ultra-low energy use and exceptional indoor air quality. Requirements include airtightness below 0.6 ACH (Air Changes per Hour), balanced ventilation with heat recovery, and maximum insulation. Though more common in Europe, Passive House is gaining popularity in Australia, especially in colder or variable climates.

Green star homes

Run by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), the Green Star Homes standard is a holistic certification that assesses homes for energy use, water efficiency, health, and resilience. It’s a growing benchmark for sustainable housing developments and can significantly boost property value and buyer interest.


Is it worth the investment?

Short-term costs

There’s no question that building a high-performance home can cost more upfront. Upgrades like triple glazing, mechanical ventilation systems, and high R-value insulation can add 5–15% to the total construction budget. However, smart design and integrated planning from day one can significantly reduce these costs through smarter material use and simplified systems.

Long-term ROI

What sets high-performance homes apart is their operational savings. Energy-efficient design reduces the size and load of mechanical systems, cutting heating and cooling bills by up to 50%. Add to that lower maintenance needs (due to durable materials and airtight construction), and you quickly see strong financial returns. Also, in a housing market where buyers increasingly value sustainability, resale value is often higher and quicker to realise.

Comfort and health benefits

Beyond dollars, the comfort gains are real. No more hot bedrooms in summer or cold floorboards in winter. Controlled ventilation keeps indoor air fresh and reduces allergens. Acoustic insulation provides a quieter, more peaceful living space. These factors are often cited by homeowners as more valuable than even cost savings.


Emerging trends in high-performance homebuilding

All-electric homes

With energy prices rising and rooftop solar now more affordable, many builders are transitioning to all-electric homes, removing gas lines and switching to induction cooking, electric hot water (heat pump), and reverse-cycle air conditioners. These systems are often more efficient and align better with net-zero targets.

Smart home integration

Smart thermostats, lighting, and blinds help homeowners fine-tune energy use in real time. Systems like Google Nest or Clipsal Wiser can integrate with solar inverters, weather sensors, and occupancy triggers for optimal performance.

Renewable energy storage

More homes are pairing solar systems with battery storage (like Tesla Powerwall or Redflow ZCell). This not only increases self-sufficiency but can also protect against power outages and allow for time-of-use optimisation, storing cheap energy for use during peak demand.

Water efficiency and harvesting

Rainwater tanks, greywater recycling, low-flow fixtures, and smart irrigation systems are being incorporated into performance standards. In Queensland, especially, water-smart design complements energy-smart design for full sustainability.


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