State of the art energy efficiencies have been incorporated in a new Homeswest display home at Stratton.
Housing Minister Jim McGinty and Fuel and Energy Minister Geoff Gallop opened the home today and said it charted the way for the Western Australian building industry.
The $70,000 house in Homeswest's new subdivision at Stratton, near Middle Swan, has special cut-away sections which show how the energy saving features work.
An optional solar power system designed and supplied by the Government's Renewable Energy Advisory Council makes the house self-sufficient for normal domestic energy loads.
The home's north/south orientation admits maximum winter sunshine, while summer sun is controlled by a roof overhang and a specially designed solar pergola.
"The home is designed for a couple with two teenage children," Mr McGinty said.
"It has a host of active and passive features to keep it cool in summer and warm in winter without relying on high energy use air-conditioners and space heaters.
"As our society becomes increasingly aware of the importance of the environment, it is appropriate for a Government agency such as Homeswest to explore energy efficiencies in housing design."
Dr Gallop said the home was a prime example of the State Government's commitment to energy conservation. This included a drive to achieve a 10 per cent reduction in public sector energy consumption within three years.
"This Homeswest design shows that you do not have to revert to a spartan lifestyle to save energy," Dr Gallop said.
"The home has been planned to keep living spaces as large as possible and allow a choice of living patterns.
"With lower energy bills, people also have more money available to improve their standard of living, and governments have more resources to devote to society in general."
Mr McGinty said the display home, at 21 Wade Square would be open to the public from 1 - 5 pm on weekends.
