Enrolments for 2023 have closed.
Introduction to Sustainable Design for Houses
Undergraduate | TAS-KDA101 | 2023
Course information for 2023 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Design and renovate healthy and sustainable homes. You’ll unpack what sustainability means for dwellings. Look into designing for health and climate. Exercise your creativity. Get to know sustainable products and building materials.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed,
- No prior study
- Duration
- 14 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Sustainable Design for Houses
About this subject
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Identify relationships between the design and construction of homes and their impact on the environment and human health.
- Define key principles of sustainable design relevant to the design and construction of individual dwellings.
- Explain the rationale for judgements about sustainable design priorities for houses in relation to identified environmental and social contexts.
- Communicate sustainable design priorities and strategies related to the design, renovation or retrofit of a home.
- Module 1: Sustainability and Housing
- Chapter One: Introduction to the Subject
- Chapter Two: Understanding Sustainability
- Chapter Three: Housing and Environmental Impact
- Chapter Four: Housing Affordability
- Chapter Five: The ‘Big’ Question
- Chapter Six: Housing Diversity
- Chapter Seven: Housing the Future
- Module 2: Sustainable Design
- Chapter One: Introduction to Sustainable Design
- Chapter Two: Myths and Hidden Benefits of Sustainable Design
- Chapter Three: The ‘Cost’ of Sustainable Design
- Chapter Four: Smart Design: Functionality
- Chapter Five: Smart Design: Quality
- Chapter Six: Setting Priorities
- Module 3: Design for Climate
- Chapter One: Introduction to Design for Climate
- Chapter Two: Solar Access and Shading
- Chapter Three: Ventilation and Insulation
- Chapter Four: Building Envelope 1: Heavy and Light
- Chapter Five: Building Envelope 2: Openings
- Chapter Six: Putting it all Together
- Module 4: Design for Health
- Chapter One: Housing and Health: Indoor Air Quality
- Chapter Two: Housing and Health: Wellbeing
- Chapter Two: Thermal Comfort
- Chapter Three: Materials and Health
- Chapter Four: Condensation and Moulde
- Module 5: Systems, Products and Materials
- Chapter One: Introduction
- Chapter Two: Heating and Cooling
- Chapter Three: Hot Water
- Chapter Four: Lighting
- Chapter Five: Solar Electricity
- Chapter Six: Water and Waste
- Chapter Seven: Materials
- Chapter Eight: Alternative Building Materials
This subject aims to develop an awareness of environmental and human health impacts of housing in order to inform critical and creative decision-making in the design and renovation of houses. You will explore how housing affects our own health and the health of the planet, and how sustainable design can reduce environmental impacts and improve wellbeing. You will also learn how to make design choices that are more sustainable in relation to your personal needs and circumstances. The subject will emphasise reflective thinking, practical knowledge and an integrated approach that relates issues of sustainability to quality design, functionality and value.
- Five Online Quizzes (25%)
- Short Answer Questions (25%)
- Housing Brief (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
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UndergraduateTAS-SUS-DIP
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