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Sustainable House Day 2011, Low VOC House, North Fitzroy, Vic |
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Category: Sustainable House Day 2011 |
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by RedCanary  (August 2011) (rank 500+) |
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On a site less that 4m wide, this small terraced workers cottage in North Fitzroy was largely demolished and rebuilt, substantially increasing the accommodation of the dwelling whilst maintaining the small footprint.
The original intention was to build an energy efficient, sustainable house. This was fulfilled by incorporating a bank of solar panels, using evacuated tubes with an electric booster for hot water, and fitting a 3000 litre under house water bladder connected to the washing machine, toilet and garden tap. Eco-friendly materials were also incorporated, including recycled external bricks, aerated concrete panels and recycled floor timbers.
In late 2009, after I was was diagnosed with chemical sensitivity, the focus of the house shifted from simply energy saving, to also creating an entirely low VOC environment.
Floor sealants, paint, and all joinery are low VOC, including a zero VOC kitchen benchtop made from recycled paper! Upstairs floor covering is Sisal, and an external screen at the rear of the house is made from zero VOC Marblo sheets. Ply ceilings and ply feature walls are finished with water based sealants. Veggie patch boxes and composting facilities create a great new use for a dead end side laneway.
you can read more about this house at SevenCanaries
