When we demolished our seaside holiday shack at Indented Head in 2006 we deliberately set out to design a new energy efficient home that would make our lifestyle more sustainable and less expensive as we transitioned into retirement. The 27 square, 5 star, brick veneer house has zoned living areas, home office & a self-contained 2 BR apartment. The two-storey bespoke house has an octagonal and rectangular sections joined by a central atrium. It was designed and orientated to maximise passive solar and bay views. All North & East-facing rooms have large, double-glazed windows with flexible interior and exterior blinds. All West walls are solid and South-facing rooms have smaller windows fitted with comfort glass. In summer the design allows for cross ventilation which maximises the effect of cooling breezes.
The living areas have sealed CF downlights switched for maximum control. The office/work areas have fluorescent tubes or rings. A Quantum gas-solar HWS system is located close to major usage areas. The main section has gas fired hydronic heating. The apartment has its own air conditioner as this space is only conditioned when occupied. A 1.5kWh PV solar system has been installed recently to offset the daily electricity usage of 13kWh.
The garden was planted with drought and salt tolerant natives. The backyard has an edible focus with large raised vegie beds, numerous fruit trees and herbs. A 1000-gallon rain water tank flushes the AAAA toilets (3.0 & 4.5l). By retrofitting door seals and zoning off non-living areas, we have reduced our gas bill by 35% over last year. On sunny winter days, the N-facing rooms are warm (>20C) and don’t require heating. In this sea change from a similar sized home in Geelong, we have lowered our ecological footprint by 25%.
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
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) (
