Lost your password? Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.Changing lifestyles, technological advancements and a growing focus on sustainability are changing the way homes are builtreveals that the country’s residential property market comprised 6.91 million properties, valued at R6.789 trillion, at the end of 2023.
One of the most significant changes is the requirement for residential properties to conform with the specified maximum annual energy consumption for this category of buildings. This shift has driven a surge in more efficient design methodologies and a focus on energy-efficient services within the residential space. Once reserved for commercial properties, energy modelling is now reducing homeowners’ electricity bills and increasing property values.
In contrast, Johannesburg experiences a cooler, drier climate with cold winters. For homes in this region, engineers prioritise insulation and heat retention. This might involve specifying higher R-value insulation for walls and roofs, recommending double-glazed windows, and designing for passive solar gain during winter.In Johannesburg, the design team might aim to optimise north fenestration elements to capture the winter sun.
Window placement and treatment have become critical factors in our designs. North-facing windows, while beneficial for natural light, can lead to excessive heat gain. Engineers therefore encourage property owners to choose glazing that is suited to different climates which offers enhanced performance and quality, or to limit the number of windows on certain elevations to maintain optimal internal temperatures.
Perhaps the most exciting development in this space is comprehensive energy management systems which can be incorporated in the home automation systems. These systems provide real-time data on energy consumption through smartphone apps, allowing homeowners to make informed decisions about their energy usage. For example, when solar output is lower on a cloudy day, the system might suggest turning off high-consumption appliances to conserve power.
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