Research Methodology
The Research House is being monitored for an initial period of three years from November 2002 to December 2005, while occupied by a family of two adults and two teenagers.
The research, coordinated by the Department of Public Works on behalf of the Department of Housing, is investigating whether the design principles and materials applied in the Research House assist in reducing energy, conserving water, and in improving indoor air quality and ventilation. The research aims to establish whether the house is more comfortable, affordable and environmentally friendly because of these features.
Major research partners
The major research partners involved in the project are the 
Central Queensland University and the Queensland University of Technology.
How is data being collected?
Seventy-six sensors are positioned in the Research House to test the effectiveness of its design, materials, and products by measuring water and energy use and thermal issues.
Real-time data is collected from the house 24 hours a day and downloaded into a data text file. This extensive system was installed and is maintained by the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Systems at Central Queensland University (CQU).
The research data will be freely available to other researchers, government, the building industry and consumers to inform further planning of housing. Annual data will be accessible via this website, as it becomes available during the research period.
What research is being conducted?
The Department of Public Works is working with researchers at the Central Queensland University to undertake the following research:
- Roof cavity insulation and ventilation study - to evaluate the effectiveness of the roof insulation system and the effects of roof ventilation.
- Skylighting technology study - to determine the performance of angular selective skylights in terms of illumination and transmitted radiant heat.
- Ventilation and cooling of external walls - to determine if a solar chimney effect can be induced into the external masonry block walls. This effect would add air flow up inside the blocks and wall cavity into roof cavity, and in turn, provide a cooling effect on the heat absorbing building envelope.
- Smart glazing technology - to evaluate the resistance of smart glazing technology in a number of elevations, particularly the western facing windows.
- Water use recording project - to record water usage in black water, grey water, hot water services and gardens in a typical household.
- Energy use study - to record energy usages across hot water services, lighting and general power in a household.
- Photovoltaic study - to record the energy performance of a grid interactive photovoltaic system in a tropical location.
- Hot water project - to evaluate the water use, energy use and energy efficiency of a range of hot water services including heat pump systems, solar water heaters and high efficiency gas water heaters.
The Queensland University of Technology will study the thermal qualities and application of flyash masonry blocks, a by-product of the electricity generation process. The Angular Selective Skylights are part of a continuing research project undertaken by Dr Ian Edmonds, Daylighting Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Queensland University of Technology.
Last updated 07 July 2005
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