Case Studies

Case Study 3.The Sunbury Healthy House - Victoria

Design Issue:

The Sunbury Healthy House, completed in 1998 in outer suburban Melbourne, Australia, was established to showcase the latest in energy efficient and healthy building design, and to highlight the importance of indoor air quality on occupant health.

This award-winning concept home was constructed in accordance with the 'Health House' principles set out by the American Lung Association. The three 'Health House' principles are:

Elimination: from the building process of building products containing known toxic chemicals which may harm the occupants. Examples of this principle include the use of Berger 'BreathEasy'interior paint, a non-toxic (non VOC) interior paint. A low-formaldyhyde high density Norwegian floating floor system was also used through most of the building.

Separation: when elimination is not possible, of building products containing harmful chemicals. All MDF (medium density fibreboard) cabinetry in the home was completely sealed in laminate to prevent the offgasing of formaldyhyde into the air stream.

Ventilation: of the building in a energy efficient and sustainable manner. A Venmar Energy Recovery Ventilation System was installed to maintain acceptable indoor air quality.

This award-winning house was featured as as a detailed case study   (PDF file 560KB)
in the following publication:

Allergy-Free Living - How to create a healthy, allergy-free home and lifestyle
by Dr P. Howarth & A.Reid.
Pub. 2000 by Mitchell Beazley, London UK.

Read a testimonial from the owners

The project attracted sponsorship from building material suppliers who produce and market energy efficient and/or healthy building products:

• ACI Insulation
• Beaumont Tiles
• BHP Steel
• Dulux Paints
• Electron Vacuum Systems
• Floorworks
• Hardies Industries

• IKEA
• Kinetic Energy
• Laminex Australia
• Rylock Windows
• Rinnai Australia
• Solar Solutions Design & Drafting
• Whirlpool Appliances