Positively Charged – Arden Electrified

Arden Electrified’s environmental conscience is strong; its new range of all-electric homes addresses sustainability on both micro and macro levels, from appliance selection and thermal performance to cutting reliance on fossil fuels and coal-powered energy. As the first volume builder to offer such a product, it’s a momentous step in bringing electrified homes to the forefront of residential architecture and design in Australia, and a convincing standard for sustainable living.

Arden believes in building sustainable homes, and Arden Electrified will see the company’s philosophy surrounding well-executed, functional homes realised through an environmentally conscious lens. As Dean Morrison, Director at Arden Homes, says, “our all-electric homes lower your energy bills whilst minimising environmental impact. They’re all designed to create a beautifully welcoming environment that feels comfortable every day and in every season.” Arden Electrified dwellings produce the same amount of renewable energy as they use, resulting in zero carbon emissions. They also include a range of sustainable features as standard elements of the design, including energy-saving solar panels, Haier reverse cycle ducted heating and cooling, LED downlights and a hot water heat pump. This is all enhanced by double glazing and an energy efficient thermal shell.

As Dean Morrison, Director at Arden Homes, says, “our all-electric homes lower your energy bills whilst minimising environmental impact. They’re all designed to create a beautifully welcoming environment that feels comfortable every day and in every season.”

An all-electric home with a consideration for design and functionality must deliver on all aspects of the spectrum. As such, great care was taken in selecting the appliances. “We chose Fisher & Paykel due to the design, performance and quality of its products,” Dean says – adding, “Fisher & Paykel provides a great range of all-electric appliances with sustainable benefits that align with our overall vision; not only do consumers get beautiful products but they’re functional as well.” With various advantages linked to induction cooking, Fisher & Paykel’s 90cm Induction Cooktop featuring the Touch&Slide function, immediate heat response and accurate temperature control was an obvious choice. It also includes SmartZone, which allows you to pair cook zones.

Induction cooktops are better for the environment as they eliminate the harmful air pollution associated with gas. In terms of functionality, induction is faster and more efficient, and the health benefits are indisputable; the damaging effects of cooking with gas are widely understood, with studies revealing it’s heavily linked to childhood asthma. Fisher & Paykel’s Induction Cooktop addresses these concerns while prioritising design with a minimal black glass surface and durable matte black detailing seamlessly blending with the rest of the interior.

“We’ve partnered with Fisher & Paykel with great success for a number of years,” Dean says. “We understand that quality counts, and that our homes are only as good as the suppliers we use.”

Each kitchen also features two Fisher & Paykel 60cm 7 Function Ovens, an Integrated French Door Refrigerator Freezer, Integrated Dishwasher and Integrated Insert Rangehood. Having worked with Fisher & Paykel for a significant period, Dean says the partnership was a natural one, fuelled in part by the companies’ shared vision for a sustainable future. “We’ve partnered with Fisher & Paykel with great success for a number of years,” he says. “We understand that quality counts, and that our homes are only as good as the suppliers we use.”

A consideration for liveability and human experience sits at the very core of this housing model. Arden Electrified dwellings aren’t necessarily small like other carbon-neutral homes; one of the proposed designs is nearly 400 square metres, and there are two-storey models too. Also, as Dean says, affordability is crucial in the evolution of eco-conscious housing. “The real game-changer is that these homes can be built for the same price as conventional homes, so you really don’t have to pay extra to be energy-efficient and climate conscious.”

Arden is treading exciting new ground with its range of all-electric homes; it’s the type of model we need more of in the pursuit of a greener future, where opportunities for sustainability and a higher standard of living exist across all housing typologies.