High performance housing exceeds regulations and standards across a
range of performance parameters.
This housing can be built using locally available masonry.
The inherent properties of masonry make it easy for designers to
achieve required outcomes for their housing projects. Masonry products are
local, low carbon and long lasting.
The inherent properties of the product give whole life performance.
These include:
- Non combustible
- Good thermal
properties
- Durable
- Robust
- Inert
- Rot resistant
- Good acoustic
properties
- Moisture resistant
Masonry homes also provide numerous benefits to occupants and home
owners:
- Low fire risk –
Masonry materials are non-combustible and do not allow the spread of fire,
unlike some other forms of construction.
- Energy saving – The
insulation, air tightness and thermal mass of masonry homes, particularly
when combined with concrete floors, can result in low energy bills.
- Long life – Meaning
homes retain their value for future generations. A valuable investment.
- Quiet – Aircrete and
aggregate concrete blocks are included in 34 registered Robust Details for
separating walls, which exceed minimum noise performance
requirements. Upper floors of concrete provide exceptional internal
sound insulation.
- Secure – In high risk
areas and for attached housing, solidity of masonry provides increased
security.
- Comfortable – A home
needs to be solidly built with no vibration issues, good with noise
separation from family, housemates and neighbours; as well as being warm
in winter and cool in summer. Masonry homes deliver this comfort.
- Flood resilience –
Homes built from aircrete and concrete blocks suffer less damage because
they are robust, dimensionally stable and do not rot in the event of
flooding.
