Straight Forward Sustainability
As the world increasingly recognises the importance of taking care of the environment, the building industry has started to embrace sustainability as a critical aspect of design and construction. Sydney Home Design + Living’s Gemma Thomas, sits down with Director of Sowden Building Solutions Nick Sowden, as he shares his insights on sustainable building practices, from the materials used to the technologies incorporated, and explains why sustainability is not only the right thing to do for the environment, but also how it’s beneficial for homeowners.
Founded with a vision to create homes that are efficient, comfortable and environmentally responsible, Sowden Building Solutions has become a leader in the Passivhaus standard in Australia. “We specialise in building extremely comfortable and efficient homes for our clients,” Sowden explains, “We achieve this by building to the Passivhaus principle, and we are one of the leading companies in Australia renovating to this standard.” Passivhaus, a rigorous international standard for energy efficiency in buildings, emphasises an airtight building envelope, superior insulation and proficient ventilation. By adopting these principles, Sowden Building Solutions has evolved into a company that prioritises sustainability without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics.
DOWN TO THE CORE
For Nick and his team, sustainability in home building is defined by a focus on reducing environmental impact while creating healthy and comfortable living spaces. “Get the building envelope right,” Sowden advises, “Correctly insulated, thermal bridge-free construction, airtight construction and double-glazed windows [are the essentials].” He further emphasises the importance of a Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system, which he describes as “the lungs of the building”.
Sowden Building Solutions also incorporates sustainably sourced materials, such as FSC-certified timbers and low-embodied-energy materials. Sowden highlights the importance of durability, explaining, “If materials do have a higher embodied energy, they must be extremely long-lasting.” The company is committed to recycling and diverting waste materials from landfills, demonstrating that sustainability extends beyond construction.
HOW AND WHY?
Sowden’s motivation for embracing sustainable building practices is both ethical and personal. “It is the right thing to do,” he states simply. As a father of two young children, Sowden is deeply concerned about minimising the environmental impact of his work to protect future generations. His commitment to sustainability is not only professional but also a reflection of his desire to leave a better world for his children and for all future homeowners.
Sowden Building Solutions takes great care in selecting materials that align with their sustainability goals. “We use either locally grown hempcrete or cladding like Weathertex,” Sowden explains. These materials are chosen for their low environmental impact and performance in energy efficiency. When concrete is necessary, the company opts for lower-carbon options such as Boral Enviocrete 40 or Envisia, reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects. In addition to material selection, energy-efficient technologies play a crucial role in Sowden Building Solutions’ projects. “Building airtight minimises the amount of energy needed to keep the home comfortable,” Sowden points out. Most of the homes his company has built in the last decade are equipped with hot water heat pumps and solar PV systems, illustrating his commitment to renewable energy solutions.
RECYCLE AND RELAX
Recycling and repurposing materials is a key focus for Sowden Building Solutions. “Metal goes to Sims Recycling and masonry run straight out to the Boral site, so it can be crushed for road base,” Sowden explains, adding that this is also a cost-effective solution compared to traditional waste disposal methods. When possible, the company encourages clients to repurpose. “We quite often get the clients to try and sell their kitchen if it isn’t too old,” Sowden states. By minimising mixed waste and finding innovative ways to recycle, Sowden Building Solutions ensures that as much material as possible is diverted from landfill.
One of the most common misconceptions about sustainable building practices is that they come at a premium cost or compromise the aesthetics of a home. Sowden dispels this myth with a straightforward question: “Does sustainability look bad?” In his experience, sustainable features can be seamlessly integrated into a home’s design without detracting from its appearance or functionality. At the heart of Sowden Building Solutions’ approach is the belief that sustainability should enhance the living experience for homeowners. “Comfort and health of the occupants is our number one goal,” Sowden emphasises.
Homes built to the Passivhaus standard offer superior indoor air quality, consistent temperatures, and a quiet, peaceful environment. By prioritising the wellbeing of the occupants, Sowden Building Solutions demonstrates that sustainable building practices not only benefit the planet but also create healthier, more comfortable homes.
SUMMING UP SUSTAINABILITY
Contrary to popular belief, incorporating sustainable building practices doesn’t necessarily increase costs. In many cases, sustainability can be more cost-effective than traditional methods. “Recycling is cheaper than just dumping,” Sowden notes, and building lightweight, well-insulated homes can be less expensive than constructing with double brick. By choosing sustainable materials and technologies, homeowners can enjoy long-term savings on energy bills and maintenance costs. Looking ahead, Sowden is optimistic about the future of sustainable home building in Australia. He believes that as more people become aware of the benefits of Passivhaus standards, such as improved health and reduced energy costs, demand for these types of homes will grow. “Passivhaus will become more prevalent in Australia once people realise that they are super healthy homes and cost nearly nothing to run,” he predicts.
For homeowners interested in making their homes more sustainable, Sowden’s advice is simple: “Do your research, speak to great building designers and builders who specialise in building sustainable homes.” By working with experienced professionals, homeowners can ensure that their sustainability goals are met without compromising on comfort or style. Sowden Building Solutions stands as a beacon of innovation in sustainable building, leading the way toward a better future where environmentally responsible homes are not only attainable, but also affordable and desirable for homeowners across Australia.
Image courtesy of Sowden Building Solutions.
