NEW BUILDING CONSTRUCTION : Designed and built by Jason O’Neill
SUSTAINABLE ELEMENTS IMPLEMENTED IN THE HOME…. The most important feature of the Barwon Heads home is firstly the use of passive solar design. During the planning stages it is crucial to an eco friendly construction to take into consideration aspect. The house is designed to let the winter sun flood the living areas and heat the home, eaves and window furnishings have been chosen to block the higher arc of the summer sun.
GRID CONNECT SOLAR SYSTEM The home has a 1600w grid connect solar system which has been running for two years. With the use of energy saving light globes , switching on only the lights we need, and even having 40 halogen downlights in the home, our total power bills in two years amount to $120! [ most of that was meter reading charges ].
INSULATION AND CLADDING The house is well insulated using R2 batts and Aircell house wrap on external walls, with commercial compressed cement sheet panel cladding ,which in its construction and fitting design ,gives many air pockets as insulating cells. The house is on a timber floor with R 3.5 batts and Aircell stapled to joists,most of the floor is covered again either with recycled flooring or black granite floor tiles to attract heat. Double glazing on all timber windows and louvers east and west help control temperature.
WATER HARVESTING All water is caught from the large roofed area of home and detached garage. We drink it , bath in it and flush it and never run out! As a back up we have the mains connected to the tanks so that when they get low the town water automatically floods in…This has only been needed on a few occasions. There are many options on the market to choose from when it comes to water saving fixtures and fittings , we have come up with some very innovative and visually appealing options.
SOLAR HOT WATER A three panel system is in place with instantaneous back up. We enjoy loads of hot water from the sun.
RECYCLED MATERIALS A wide variety of recycled materials have been used throughout the home .. from recycled concrete paths to beautiful jarrah , redgum , and vic ash floors. The use of old fence pailings dressed and sanded as a feature wall also adds a bit more R value to north wall.
GARDEN The house uses most grey water from the house , to run out into garden, we have planted mostly indigenous plants to the area and have absolutely no grass. Chickens are on hand to fertilize gardens and give us lovely eggs. We have a local tree surgeon who can supply us with plenty of eucalyptus mulch.
HEATING We have a gas space heater in the main living area and that is it…the passive solar design does the rest. I think that in the coming weeks we will consider heating for the bedrooms…perhaps electric panel heating which will leave us with a bit bigger power bill in winter, but we are creating our own power so think that’s the way to go. We have chosen our electrical appliances on their energy consumption … especially the worst offender of the home MR REFRIGERATOR!
(August 2009) (
