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Introduction to Sustainable Design for Houses unit (KDA101)

2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information

Location: Online

This unit is subject to an enrolment quota:  Semester 1 (500) and Semester 2 (500)

Introduction

This unit aims to develop an awareness of environmental and human health impacts of housing in order to inform critical and creative decision-making in the design and renovation of houses. You will explore how housing affects our own health and the health of the planet, and how sustainable design can reduce environmental impacts and improve wellbeing. You will also learn how to make design choices that are more sustainable in relation to your personal needs and circumstances. The unit will emphasise reflective thinking, practical knowledge and an integrated approach that relates issues of sustainability to quality design, functionality and value.

Summary

Unit name Introduction to Sustainable Design for Houses
Unit code KDA101
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
School of Architecture and Design
Discipline Architecture & Design
Coordinator Ms Anne Grimes
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online Semester 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/2/2026 16/3/2026 19/4/2026 13/6/2026
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify relationships between the design and construction of homes and their impact on the environment and human health.
  • Define key principles of sustainable design relevant to the design and construction of individual dwellings.
  • Explain the rationale for judgements about sustainable design priorities for houses in relation to identified environmental and social contexts.
  • Communicate sustainable design priorities and strategies related to the design, renovation or retrofit of a home.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
040101 $1,192.00 $1,192.00 not applicable $2,919.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

This unit is offered fully on-line. 

AssessmentFive Online Quizzes (25%)|Short Answer Questions (25%)|Housing Brief (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.