The document discusses sustainable design principles for homes built in the new Harmony community. It encourages homes that complement the natural surroundings through solar passive design, use of thermal mass and sustainable materials. This includes orienting the home and placing windows to maximize natural sunlight and ventilation. The document recommends including energy efficient items like solar hot water, solar power, rainwater tanks, and aerobic treatment units to reduce costs and environmental impact. It suggests pursuing a self-sufficient lifestyle through growing food and keeping chickens.

1. Harmony is a new community surrounded by a natural, rural
environment, nestled amongst the trees and located within the small
existing suburb of Parkerville. When building here, consideration
should be given to ensuring that your home design and materials
complement your surroundings and neighbouring homes.
To establish an embracing and harmonious integration into the existing
community, a solar passive and sustainable approach is encouraged in
both your home design and lifestyle.
The best time to think about the energy efficiency is at the design
phase of your new home. Incorporating these simple principles into
your home initially will save time and money and allow you to reap the
rewards of living sustainably from the moment you move in.
Thermal MassThermal Mass
Thermal mass is an important part of sustainable home design and is reliant on your choice of
building materials.
Considering thermal mass during the design and product selection phase of your home will allow you
to naturally collect, store and distribute heat through floors, walls, windows and the roof. This results
in the regulation of indoor temperature throughout the day and night, making for a more comfortable
and efficient home.
SustainableSustainable
design+livingdesign+living

2. Solar Passive DesignSolar Passive Design
The key to solar passive design is in the initial
home building and design phase, which should
take into consideration the orientation of
the home, window placement, glazing type,
insulation, building materials and shading.
Results can be achieved with the application of basic principles
such as the positioning of living spaces, providing verandah’s and
eaves for shading, positioning of windows and openings for cross
ventilation.
Solar Hot Water SystemSolar Hot Water System
A solar hot water system allows you to utilise the free abundant
Australian sun and can provide between 50 - 90 percent of
household hot water needs. This reduces ongoing costs,
allows you to utilise a renewable energy source and
reduces the amount of greenhouse gases your home
produces.
Solar PowerSolar Power
Solar Panels allow energy from the sun to be captured and
this can be converted into electricity to power your home.
Depending on the size of the system and number of panels
you install, solar panels may produce all or part of your
household electricity requirements. This can dramatically
reduce or eliminate power bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

3. Rain Water TanksRain Water Tanks
A rainwater tank of up to 10,000 litres will be provided to
each purchaser to connect to toilet cisterns and laundry taps.
Purchasers may want to consider the inclusion in their design of
additional tanks and rain water collection options. Rain water
tanks allow you to supplement mains water usage for many
purposes, saving money and precious water.
Aerobic Treatment UnitsAerobic Treatment Units
Connecting your home to an effluent disposal system will be
necessary In Harmony. Consideration should be given to the type
of system you select as black water (toilet) and grey water (basins
and showers etc.) can be treated and reused through an outdoor
irrigation system allowing you to recycle water for your garden.
Self Sufficient BackyardSelf Sufficient Backyard
Growing your own food reduces carbon emissions, food wastage,
water usage and your impact on the environment. Best of all it
provides you and your family access to fresh, healthy food in your
own backyard.
Keeping chickens in your backyard is a fun way to live a more self
sufficient lifestyle, it also allows you to reduce kitchen and food
waste while having access to fresh eggs. Chickens can provide you
with manure for your food garden and help to naturally control
pests.
Be sure to discuss options with your builder and visit the following sites for further information.
• www.LivingGreener.gov.au
• www.yourhome.gov.au
• www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/ResidentServices/PublicHealth/Pages/WasteWaterDisposal.aspx