Home FAQs
FAQs
  • General   ( 5 Articles )
    General questions.
  • Design Services   ( 2 Articles )
    Questions about the design process.
  • Drafting and Council Approval   ( 2 Articles )
    Questions about drafting services and council approval.
  • Energy Efficiency   ( 7 Articles )
    There are two common methods of energy efficiency assessment:
    • BCA "Deemeed to Satisfy" or DTS Compliance Report ( Checklist and BCA Glazing Calculator ) also known as "BCA Energy and Water Efficiency Verfication"
    • Energy Efficiency Star Rating (Software Generated)

    In most cases, the less complex and cheaper Deemed to Satisfy or DTS report is sufficient for council approval.  The DTS report is our standard method of assessment by our accredited energy efficiency assessor.  Depending on our schedule, we may also provide you with a Star Rating on request.  The Software we currently use is FirstRate.

    Energy Efficiency Checklist

    You will find a link below to the energy efficiency checklists and glazing calculators for each climate zone currently available from the Building Commission.  By viewing the documents you can get an idea of the information required to complete your energy efficiency assessment.  Our own Energy Efficiency checklist differs slightly in format, but includes the same information. 

    http://www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au/bid/Checksheet_Residential.aspx

    We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions relating to energy efficiency assessment.  If you can't find the answer to your question here please don't hesitate to contact us.

Newsflash

Build Your Own Wind Turbine March 2011, Gidgegannup WA learn how to build your own wind turbine.  International experts Jim and Miriam from Eirbyte Technologies in Ireland www.eirbyte.com will be here in Gidgegannup for a fantastic 5-day workshop teaching everything you need to know to build your own wind turbine and it really works!  Enrolments will be strictly limited to 15 participants so don't miss this exciting opportunity. See the Training page for more information and Contact Studio West Design to register your interest and be notified when enrolments open.

Sustainable Living Bookstore

Sustainable Insight is an Australian online bookstore specialising in sustainability and environmental books, DVDs and educational resources. Their range covers topics including permaculture gardening, agriculture, owner-building and sustainable building methods, mud-brick, straw bale and more, environmental management, organics and sustainability. Just click on the logo to find out more.