This year, Burbank plans to build more than 150 Evolution homes with double glazed windows, making homes up to 10 degrees cooler during summer and 5 degrees warmer during winter. Although Victoria only requires homes to be built to a 5 star standard, the Evolution has been designed with Bradnams Windows and DMS Glass to meet 6 Star standards. According to Burbank, a 6 star energy rated home will save an estimated $700 per year on gas and electricity bills when compared to a traditional 2.5 star rated home. A 6 star energy rated home also produces less greenhouse gas emissions.
Ordinary windows with standard 3 mm single-pane glass are the weakest point of a building’s insulation. In a well-insulated building, up to 49 per cent of heat can still be lost through non-energy efficient windows, according to a study carried out by Arup Façade Engineering for the Australian Glass and Glazing Association. In summer, up to 87 per cent of solar heat gain can occur through ordinary windows. The research found that double glazed windows can improve the insulation value of a window by 55 per cent to 77 per cent, depending on the type of glass used.
Burbank’s Evolution homes have Bradnams 4/ 6/ 4 double glazed windows with aluminium frames. This means each double glazed unit has a 4 mm sheet of glass with a sealed 6 mm gap, then another 4 mm sheet of glass. The sealed gap is filled with argon gas to provide extra insulation. Every Burbank home is assessed for energy efficiency using Sustainability Victoria's FirstRate software, a program which takes into consideration construction elements such as orientation, design layout, windows, insulation levels and air flow.
