How one builder is making 8-star homes the new standard

With Victoria known for experiencing four seasons in one day, new builds need to focus on comfort – whatever the weather.

In fact, comfort is just one of the reasons Victoria increased the minimum energy efficiency building standards for new homes from 6 to 7 stars in the National Construction Code 2022.

A 7-star NatHERS home should also emit fewer greenhouse gas emissions and cost less to run.

While 7 stars is a solid baseline, there’s always more that can be done. One Victorian builder, JG King Homes, has made the decision to go above this minimum to deliver all its homes at an 8-star NatHERS rating.

“Victoria's climate deserves more than the minimum,” says John King, Executive Director, JG King Homes.

“Families choosing a standard JG King Homes 8-star home will consume up to 30 per cent less energy and enjoy significant savings on their annual energy bills compared to a 7-star home. For those coming from a home that is less than 7 stars – the savings will be even greater.”

He says JG King Homes isn’t making this effort to just “tick a sustainability box”.

“It’s about creating a smarter, more comfortable place to live,” he says.

JG King Homes is going above and beyond the minimum energy efficiency standards for their new homes.

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What does an 8-star NatHERS rating mean?

A 7-star NatHERS rated home – the current Victorian standard – provides better orientation to the sun for passive heating in winter and shading in summer, as well as improved ceiling, wall or under-floor insulation.

A 7-star home also features high-performance glazing on the windows to help insulate against heat loss and gain.

Mr King says an 8-star home covers all these bases but goes a step further. For example, insulation will have even higher resistance values (R-values).

One of the biggest features making these homes achieve 8-star energy efficiency are the European designed high-performance, double-glazed, Low-E uPVC windows and doors manufactured locally by JG King Building Group.

It means JG King Homes can deliver larger windows with excellent thermal efficiencies whilst still delivering on the 8-star standard.

“An 8-star home holds a comfortable temperature with far less reliance on heating and cooling,” he says.

“It means being future ready with a home that goes beyond today’s standards.”

Smart insulation and better orientation are all part of what makes a home more energy efficient.

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How an 8-star home feels

An 8-star home is about elevating everyday comfort, keeping the home cooler in summer and warmer in winter – all while keeping energy use to a minimum.

“An 8-star home holds its warmth on a cold morning and keeps the heat out on a 40-degree day, so you're not constantly fighting the weather,” says Mr King.

He points out that a well-sealed, well-insulated home is also a much quieter home, with noise from the street and neighbours kept low.

“Buyers fall in love with the curb appeal and the floorplan, but it's what you can't see – the insulation, the frame, the windows – that determines how comfortable and efficient that home actually is for decades to come,” he says.

Energy efficient homes can be more comfortable to live in throughout the year.

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Why the structure can change how a home sounds

It’s not just external noise that is reduced with an 8-star home, but also sounds from within.

The ‘thud’ of footsteps (especially in a double storey home) , creaking stairs and even sound from the TV are all reduced.

At JG King Homes, a key ingredient in keeping things peaceful is the use of engineered TRUECORE steel framing and flooring feature

“We manufacture our engineered TRUECORE steel frame with a 50-year warranty and termite resistance. You never see the frames, but they're what makes a home perform,” says Mr King.

Timber frames naturally move and warp over time, but the steel frames stay fixed in place, giving people a longer lasting product, he explains.

"We're proud to be the largest builder of steel-framed homes in Victoria. It’s one of the most important decisions we make in every home,” he says.

Every JG King home also comes with a COLORBOND roof as standard, adding to overall endurance.

“You're not just buying a home for today, you're buying one built to hold its value,” he says.

JG King Homes uses TRUECORE steel frames as they can help a home's overall longevity.

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Experiencing the difference for yourself

Some of the differences between a 7-star and 8-star home may seem subtle in isolation, but when it all comes together, Mr King says the level of comfort is noticeable.

He encourages buyers to go beyond the homes great looks and to find out more about the construction.

“I always tell buyers to ask about the materials and the energy rating, not just the square metreage,” he says.

For buyers keen to find out more about JG King’s 8-star as-standard approach, the best next step is to speak with a JG King consultant.

“They can walk you through exactly what goes into an 8-star JG King home and what it means for your build, future proofing your home and saving you money in the longer term” he says.