Sustainable House Day, Lilyfield NSW

 

This originally single-storey weatherboard house looks quite conventional from the street – transverse roof ridge, bullnose verandah and centre front door. Changes have been done incrementally with scope for more. As walls need repair, they were opened up and high levels of insulation were added. A PV system and rainwater tanks have significantly reduced mains energy and water consumption.  

New or Retrofit:   Retrofit Climate Zone: Eastern Sydney – BCA

Climate Zone 5, Nathers Climate Zone 56.

Unique Sustainable Elements featured in this home

Water Harvesting Systems 3 Rainwater Tanks have been installed to collect rainwater for the native garden and vegetable patch, the laundry and toilet so that the consumption of mains water has reduced to 40 L/day per each of the five occupants. Water bills are available.

External Walls   Original weatherboards. When rot in the weatherboards of the SE wall dictated their replacement the opportunity was taken to insulate the wall and reposition a window.    

Roof Original but thickest insulation possible was added above the ceilings of the front rooms and controlled ventilators were added in the ceilings of the upstairs rooms behind.

Floor Original Timber floor. Cork flooring in main living area.

Windows Original renovation was overglazed but this has been improved by insulated roof.

Solar or Wind Power Generation Grid connected 1120 watt system facing 40O east of north.  

Heating & Cooling As a result of adding the high levels of insulation, the house does not now overheat and winter heating is by a single portable gas heater.

Water Heating 5 star gas storage system with potential to add a solar pre-heater later.

Appliances 5 star fridge and washing machine