After completing more than 35,000 net zero homes in Japan, Sekisui House has turned its attention to Australia, with construction of SHINKA House well underway.
Located at The Hermitage in Sydney’s Gledswood Hills, SHINKA House is expected to achieve a NatHERS thermal comfort rating of eight stars – two more than the six-star Australian standard.
The home will also emit 40 per cent fewer greenhouse gases and consume 40 per cent less water than the BASIX minimum targets in NSW.
Sekisui House launched its first zero emissions home at the Hokkaido Toyako G8 summit in 2008. Japan has set a target that all newly-built houses will be net zero by 2030.
Sustainability is a “foundation principle” of Sekisui House, says the company’s general manager Craig D’Costa.
“SHINKA House will demonstrate how active and passive design considerations can deliver a highly functional, comfortable and energy efficient residence in the centre of a major growth corridor in metropolitan Sydney.”
D’Costa says the project aims to “increase awareness about evolving housing design and construction practices that are both commercially viable and sustainable”.
SHINKA House features organic design principles, integrated housing technology, photovoltaics and battery storage, geothermal augmented air-conditioning, and energy and wellbeing automation.
Covering 307 sqm over two storeys, SHINKA House has several living rooms and is designed for multi-generational living.
D’Costa says the home is functional, comfortable, energy efficient, and boasts a “healthy ecosystem where the indoor temperature is consistent throughout”. Flexible living spaces “can be adapted to suit different family types throughout the various life cycle stages”.
Sekisui House has invested more than $2 billion in Australia since 2009, constructing 10,000-plus homes. Its current pipeline of Australian projects is valued at more than $18 billion.