The Design of Evolution
The design and construction of this building came out of a desire for a simple structure stemming from a way of living over 100 years ago when settlers lived in small single roomed houses not too dissimilar to this one. Size 36m2 plus verandah and amenities
Recycled Life
The dwelling main structure is a recycled sheet iron shed, plywood lined, fibreglass insulated.
Description of Construction
Floor: timber framed floor with polystyrene packing boxes as insulation between joists.
Walls: timber stud. External face sheet metal, internal 7mm plywood, R1.5 fibreglass batts
Windows: Recycled steel framed– single glazed.
Roof: Colorbond sheeting. Roof on northern face painted white to reduce overheating in summer. Insulation: R3.5 fibreglass batts.
A composting toilet is housed in a free form concrete wire mesh reinforced structure, as is the shower.
All furniture, including the kitchen, is made from scrap pallets.
Solar Powered and Sustainable System
Two small ~100watt photovoltaic panels charge second hand batteries which run the 12volt lighting and car radio.
Hot water from a close coupled low pressure evacuated tube hot water cylinder on the northern roof face. Roof water is stored down slope in tank which is then pumped to tank. A single gas burner or cooking and food is kept cool in a naturally ventilated pantry. Meat products are stored in an underground water cooled store (bucket of water) and consumed within 3 days.
Wood heater fuelled using wood from landscaping, bushfire hazard management and windfall
(September 2011) (
