Eurabbie
Existing Building: Old farm house built in 1940s by locals from local materials
Renovation and Retrofit
Water Harvesting Systems Rainwater collection, stored in above ground rainwater tanks, provides all water needs. A septic tank treats the effluent from the toilet. All other water effluent (bathroom and kitchen) goes out into the paddock and is filtered through the soil.
External Walls Hardwood weatherboards: The original weatherboards were cut from eucalypts on the property. The extension used recycled weatherboards from grandmother's house. All weatherboards were removed during the renovation and walls were insulated with fibreglass R2 batts and lined with sarking. Verandas were built on 3 sides for shading, shelter and to reduce heat losses in winter.
Internal Walls Plaster and Pine boards: During the renovation and extension plaster boards were used to line the walls and pine board for some ceilings. Old fibrous plaster ceilings were retained.
Roof Colour Bond roof insulated with fibreglass ceiling batts. The roof pitch is 27° and faces north making it suitable for solar panels.
Floor Hardwood floorboards: The original hardwood floorboards were retained. The house was carpeted for warmth. Under floor insulation using reflective concertina aluminum batts was installed to reduce heat loss. A 90% shade cloth has been put up to cover around the outside stumps to reduce heat loss though air movement. The extension is on a concrete slab with slate covering the floor.
Window Treatments Single glazing: Some original windows were retained and additional windows needed were bought second hand. Doors and windows can be opened for rapid cooling in summer heat. Verandas shade the windows. Skylights were installed for more natural light needed in dark rooms.
Solar or Wind Power Generation 2.3 kW solar grid connect system – The system is generating more electricity then the owners are using.
Heating & Cooling Heating is by wood fire. The wood is from sustainable sources on the farm. There is no thermal mass in the old house. Living areas have heat loss curtains and bedrooms can be closed off to retain the warmth in the main living areas. Passive cooling is achieved by using deciduous trees, verandas and closing off the house on very hot days. At night time the house is cooled with natural air flow therefore no electricity is required for cooling.
Water Heating A retro fit solar panel system has been installed to connect into the original 360 litre copper tank located inside the roof. The water is boosted in wintertime by a flue jacket which is connected to the wood heater. No electric boost required, but it is available.
Vegetable garden A four-bed rotational organic vegetable garden is used to supply vegetables all year.
Waste management Recyling of paper, plastics, glass and metal minimises rubbish sent to landfill (only about 4 large bins per year). Organic waste is dug into vegetable garden.
(August 2009) (
