Clean, green future? The 8-star rated house. The latest Tassie architecture …

Cassy O’Connor and Rick Leighton

The Minister for Climate Change and Human Services, Cassy O’Connor was proud to launch today Southern Tasmania’s first super energy-efficient and affordable home, a hallmark to a clean, green, future for building in this state.

“This super, energy-efficient home built by local company Leighton Building and Construction has a rating in excess of 8 stars and will be on the market for under $230,000,” Ms O’Connor said.

“This is evidence that building high-energy star rating homes doesn’t have to be expensive, but has huge benefits for the householder and the community.

“Cost of living is on the rise, but with a home so cleverly designed with a view to energy efficiency occupants can expect to cut their heating and cooling costs by up to 87%.

“For the lucky buyer, this house and land is priced affordably, and will be affordable to live in with relatively low power bills, and a small carbon footprint.

“The Wedges report found that the most cost effective way to reduce Tasmania’s greenhouse gas emissions was through energy efficiency.

“Through Housing Tasmania and the Climate Change Office we are running a range of programs including energy audits and upgrades that will have the triple benefit of reducing power bills, increasing home-quality and health, and lowering each household’s carbon footprint.

“Achieving all these outcomes is also a foundation of the Tasmanian Government’s Draft Residential Development Strategy that demonstrates a commitment to investment in liveability; the health of our communities; improving affordability and availability; and creation of more integrated and sustainable communities.

“Housing Tasmania has required all major renovation and building works to meet a six star standard since 2009.”

Ms O’Connor congratulated Leighton Building and Construction on this Southern Tasmanian first, and said she looked forward to seeing a 10 star home planned for construction in the near future.

Pic: Brett Boardman

• A sneak peak at the latest Tassie architecture

Be among the first to see the exciting new architectural projects entered in the 2012 Tasmanian Architecture Awards.

This Saturday (24 March), architects will present their entries to the awards jury at a free public event held at the Australian Institute of Architects, 1/19a Hunter Street, Hobart.

With 28 projects valued at over $169 million, this year’s awards program has attracted diverse projects including Princes Wharf Shed 1, MONA, Kingston High School, Ulverstone Sports & Leisure Complex, Aboriginal Children’s Centre, Garagistes, Bisdee Tier Optical Astronomy Observatory, Tony Hill Dental, Maroni Close Housing Unit Development, as well as a range of office fit-outs, houses, extensions and heritage projects.

Entrants will have 5 minutes to present projects in eight categories of architecture, followed by questions from the jury. See the latest trends in materials and colours and be inspired by the creativity within these magnificent projects located all over Tasmania, from Low Head in the north, Swanwick in the east and Bruny Island in the south. Listen to award winning architects including John Wardle, Fender Katsalidis, Hassell, Robert Morris-Nunn and Stuart Tanner present the design philosophies and approach to their projects.

Tasmanian Architecture Awards – Project Presentations
Saturday 24 March, 9am – 4pm, free entry
Australian Institute of Architects, 1/19a Hunter Street, Hobart
9.00 am Interior Architecture
9.50 am Commercial Architecture
10.45 am Heritage & Small Project Architecture
11.45 pm Public Architecture
1.30 pm Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing & Alterations and Additions
3.05 pm Residential Architecture – New Houses

2012 Awards Jury:
Dr Ceridwen Owen (Chair) – Deputy Head of School, School of Architecture & Design, UTAS
Mr Peter Tonkin (interstate juror) – Director, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
Ms Cath Hall – Director, 1+2 Architecture
Mr Martin Stephenson – Director, Rosevear Architects
Associate Professor Natasha Cica –Director, Inglis Clark Centre for Civil Society.

A full listing of the times, projects and architectural practices follows. The 2012 Tasmanian Architecture Awards will be announced at a dinner on Saturday June 16. Winners will progress to the national level, and compete against other state/territory award winners from around the country. Results of the National Architecture Awards will be announced on November 1 in Perth.

• Download Schedule of Presentations to the Jury:
2012SchedulePresentationstotheJury.pdf

— Janine Holt, Tasmanian Manager, Australian Institute of Architects

Pic: David Becker

Pic: Leigh Carmichael

Pic: Rob Burnett

Pic: Brett Boardman