Sustainable Housing

Duration

This program can be undertaken on consecutive days or spread over a term. It involves 2 days at Yarra Ranges Tech School.

Curriculum Level

This program is suitable for students from level 7 to level 10.

Building on virtual immersive visits focused on off-the-grid housing projects and Box Hill Institute Trades and Design Faculties, students will work in teams to design & develop an eco-friendly house.

This program introduces students to digital simulation of a house, data analysis, as well as physical model building. Students analyse factors affecting solar and wind energy generation, building materials and house placement, using computer aided design and precision manufacturing techniques.


Curriculum Areas Covered

Science
Design & Technologies
Digital Technologies
Tech
Mathematics
Health & Physical Education
English
EAL
English
Dance
Drama
Media Arts
Music
Visual Arts
Visual Comm & Design
Arts
Civics & Citizenship
Economics & Business
Geography
History
Humanities
Critical & Creative Thinking
Ethical
Intercultural
Personal & Social
Capabilities

Key Learning Objectives

  • To understand the key factors relating to energy efficiency in house design
  • To understand the concepts of heat absorption, conduction and reflection
  • To understand the notion of embedded energy in building materials
  • To select materials for energy efficiency, considering the material’s embodied energy
  • Design & modeling using simulation-based scientific tools

Technologies Introduced

Students will develop knowledge and skills in:

  • Sustainable Buildings
  • Production Processes
  • Sensor Design
  • 3D Computer-Aided Design Software
  • Digital Simulation

Industry Alignment

Students will be exposed to technologies and processes used in:

  • Precision Manufacturing
  • Digital Electronics
  • Sustainability and Renewables
  • Urban Planning and Design

Please note: Teachers are expected to assist with the program and technology throughout the day. Optional professional development is offered for both technologies and the Human Centred Design Thinking process.