I chose this suburb to buy a house because it’s near public transport and bike routes. I chose the house because it was sound but provided sustainable renovation and retrofitting opportunities as well as having a big enough garden with a tank already installed to develop an edible paradise! I wanted a practical yet creative home.
I used every chance I could to learn and try out new ideas. For example I have combined ceiling fans with solar ventilation, window awnings, double glazing and improved insulation along with gas heating to meet my heating and cooling needs on reduced green power. I studied basic Permaculture to add to my organic food growing skills, and interlinked food beds with native plants alongside an existing shading eucalypt and my own ceramic creations.
A renovation brought in some NW warmth in winter as well as improved lighting and sectioning off the living area for energy reduction. A ramp from recycled decking made the house accessible and I researched materials which resulted in reclaimed doors, recycled bench tops and sink, then cork tiles for the floor in the kitchen. Natural or low VOC paints reduce pollutants in the air. Most of the house has second hand furniture.
A fowler vacola pan preserves my fruit for winter vitamins.
Composting and a worm farm mean I throw out almost no rubbish each week.
This house is wheelchair accessible.
Thanks to family and friends who have joined in these fun adventures.
This event is organised by the Geelong Sustainability Group in cooperation with Geelong Organic Gardeners and Geelong's Transition Towns and is proudly sponsored by the City of Greater Geelong as key sponsors and Barwon Water Water as major sponsors. Other sponsors include:
Zero C - ESD Architects/Sustainability Consultants and Energy Assessors, Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Assesors
Phil Hines Photography - most images taken for Geelong region homes and gardens are kindly by Phil
New Earth Systems - Solar thermal heating, ventilation and cooling, energy monitors, permaculture design and education
Nia Dance Geelong - 9 movement forms combined for sustaining body, mind and spirit
Organics Box- Organic and Biodynamic Fruits/Vegetables/Herbs and Groceries in Torquay and Geelong
Sindhiya Soapnuts - 100% Natural Cleaning SoapNuts for a Healthier Home and Planet
Solahart Geelong - Solar hot water and power systems
Scotsco - Skylights, roof windows, access ladders, ventilation
Transition Bell - www.transitionbell.groupsite.com, Victoria's first transition intiative.
Transition South Barwon - www.transitionsouthbarwon.groupsite.com
Transition Eastern Geelong - www.transitioneastgeelong.groupsite.com
www.geelongsustainability.org.au
(August 2011) (
