This is a very liveable passive solar home, always pleasantly warm and full of light. The solarium in particular provides a wonderful living space in winter weather, and a good place for drying clothes.
Because we need all the sun we can get in winter there are also windows to the west, which I wouldn’t have if we were building further north. We designed and built a 3 metre deep veranda to shade these west-facing windows in summer while still allowing in plenty of light and views to the veggie garden and fruit trees. Large deciduous shade trees and vines which will shade the west side of the house in summer are still growing.
The grey water system waters about half of the non-edible garden and has been no trouble at all. Likewise the solar hot water system on the roof, and the flue jacket hot water extraction system on the wood-fired heater is even more efficient than the typical wet back system we used to have. We rarely need to use the fire; it is more for that extra cosy comfort factor.
The north windows in two of the bedrooms and one of the bathrooms make them pleasant and cosy on winter days.
The deciduous wisteria pergola provides ample shade to the entry of the house in summer, while allowing winter sun to stream into the front rooms in winter.
Ideally we will install further rain water tanks, and have plans to install solar power collectors on the roof as well.
We love living in our sustainable home, it’s a constant joy!
(September 2011) (
