Solar galore

Rowes Bay Caretaker Cottage, 56 Cape Pallarenda Road, Rowes Bay
This concrete block house was formally a Townsville City Council depot Caretaker's Cottage. It has been transformed into an interpretative Sustainability Education Centre where visitors can find out "Who is the Caretaker?" by uncovering how to better manage energy, water and waste in the home.  This is one of six homes NQ Dry Tropics will open on Sustainable House Day Sunday September 11.

The house is a great example of retrofitting for energy efficiency and gardening with low water use, wildlife and food production in mind. 
Ventilation has been increased into the house by enlarging doors and windows. Large overhangs, the pergola, trees and carport shade the building.
Features of the home include white solar reflective roof paint, a whole of house extraction fan, solar heat pump hot water heating, water efficient taps and shower fittings, 2.5kW grid connect solar panel system (part of which is integrated into the roof of the pergola), energy efficient lighting, shaded outdoor living areas and water sensitive landscaping and plantings.   The garden is a highlight. It’s now well established and includes a mix of native and food plants.

The carport has an outlet for charging the Council’s electric car and there is also a recently installed solar umbrella – a shade structure with flexible solar panels attached to the cover. Generating its own electricity and having its own power outlets it serves as an outdoor office.