The shift to 7-star energy ratings has transformed how new homes in Queensland are designed. While it raises the bar, it also rewards intelligent, site-responsive design.

At DraftRoom, we specialise in creating homes that perform, not just comply. Achieving 7 stars comes down to applying strong passive design strategies from the very beginning.

What a 7-Star Rating Means

A 7-star rating under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) measures how well your home maintains comfortable indoor temperatures using passive design, insulation, glazing, and natural ventilation. A higher star rating means lower heating and cooling demand and greater comfort with less mechanical intervention.

With the new regulatory changes, all new homes must meet 7 stars (or equivalent). Passive design is no longer optional; it is essential.

Understanding the Scale: From 0 to 10 Stars

0-Star Homes

A 0-star house offers almost no thermal performance. Temperature control depends heavily on heating or cooling systems.

Many houses built between the 1970s and 1990s fall into the 0–2 star range due to poor insulation, draught gaps, and generic layouts. National data shows that homes built before 2003 average about 1.8 stars, as energy efficiency provisions were not yet part of the Building Code.

10-Star Homes

At the other extreme, a 10-star home is designed so well that it requires no artificial heating or cooling throughout the year. These homes rely entirely on passive design strategies such as orientation, shading, thermal mass, glazing, ventilation, and airtight construction.

According to NatHERS and the Australian Building Codes Board, only a few verified 10-star homes exist in Australia, each carefully tailored to its site and climate.

This scale demonstrates why a 7-star home represents a major step forward from older housing stock. It is not a minor improvement, but a new standard of performance.

Whole of Home Assessment: What It Is and Why It Matters

What Is a Whole of Home Assessment?

A Whole of Home Assessment is the newest part of NatHERS. It measures your home’s total energy use, not just how well the building shell performs. It includes heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, appliances, and any on-site generation such as solar panels or battery systems.

The result is expressed as a score from 0 to 100, showing how close your home is to energy neutrality. A score of 100 means a net zero energy value home, one that produces as much energy as it uses over the course of a year. Homes can even exceed 100 if they generate more than they consume.

How It’s Calculated

The Whole of Home score builds on the 7-star thermal rating by comparing your home’s total energy use to that of a standard reference dwelling. The calculation accounts for:

Heating and cooling systems
Hot water systems
Lighting and fixed appliances
Cooking energy use
Pool or spa pumps (if applicable)
Solar and battery storage systems

If certain system details are unknown, software defaults are used to estimate performance. This provides a clear picture of how your home will perform once built and occupied.

Is It Mandatory?

Yes. Under NCC 2022, a Whole of Home rating is now mandatory for new residential buildings in most states and territories. In Queensland, the requirement began on 1 May 2024.

For large renovations or extensions, the requirement may apply depending on the scale of work and how much of the existing home is altered. Always confirm your obligations with your building designer, energy assessor, or certifier before starting design or construction.

Why Some Builders Struggle to Reach 7 Stars

Some project home builders struggle to achieve a 7-star rating because their plans are not designed for specific sites. These standardised layouts often ignore critical design factors such as orientation, prevailing breezes, sun paths, and local climate conditions.

As a result, the homes rely on air conditioning and mechanical systems to remain comfortable, increasing running costs and carbon emissions.

By contrast, a custom-designed home can be optimised for its environment. Every window, overhang, and internal layout can be adjusted to suit the block and climate.

As the saying goes, “Good design isn’t cheap, but bad design will cost a lot more.”

Good Design Principles for Achieving 7 Stars

Designing for 7-Stars is achievable when planning begins early and the right decisions are made at concept stage. These principles, adapted from the NatHERS Top Tips for Building for 7 Stars, are ones we integrate into every DraftRoom project:

Engage an Energy Assessor Early
Involve a NatHERS assessor during the concept stage to identify opportunities and avoid expensive redesigns later.
Orient for Sun and Climate
Position your home to capture natural light and cross-ventilation. Simple site placement adjustments can make a big difference to energy performance.
Improve Glazing and Shading
Choose energy-efficient glazing and combine it with effective shading. This limits heat gain in summer while allowing warmth in winter.
Design for Zoning
Separate living and sleeping areas to reduce the amount of space that needs heating or cooling.
Increase Insulation
Use high-performance insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors, including often-overlooked areas such as garage walls or slab edges.
Plan for Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans help maintain comfort and reduce reliance on air conditioning.
Use Lighter Colours
Lighter roof and wall colours reflect more heat and improve overall comfort.
Simplify Lighting Layouts
Reduce unnecessary ceiling penetrations to maintain insulation integrity.

These decisions are most effective when integrated early, rather than added as fixes later in the design process.

Why Custom Design Makes the Difference

Every site on the Sunshine Coast is unique, with its own orientation, slope, breezes, and context. At DraftRoom, we design homes that respond to these characteristics, ensuring each one achieves its full energy potential.

We never force a project into a pre-set plan. Instead, we design homes that reflect your lifestyle and the site’s natural advantages. This approach consistently results in higher energy performance and long-term comfort.

Our Expertise in Passive Design

With more than 15 years of experience in Queensland’s climate, our team has a deep understanding of thermal performance, passive design, and energy modelling. We collaborate closely with accredited NatHERS assessors, engineers, and builders to ensure every home we design performs as intended.

From concept sketches to final certification, we focus on balancing design, performance, and buildability to deliver homes that stand the test of time.

Conclusion

The move to 7-star energy ratings and the introduction of the Whole of Home assessment have set a new benchmark for residential design. Homes must now be planned as integrated systems, where passive design, efficient technology, and renewable energy all work together.

At DraftRoom, we guide clients through this process with practical expertise and creative solutions. Our goal is simple: to design homes that are efficient, comfortable, and built for Queensland’s climate.

References

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7-Star Energy Ratings: What They Mean and How to Achieve Them