History - The cream brick veneer 3 bedroom house was built in 1952 and bought by the owner in 1995.
Factors influencing the purchase - Reserve on north boundary giving uninterrupted sun for passive solar input and side access to rear of property.
- Low maintenance brick construction
- North west facing entrance porch shaded by large deciduous tree providing a sealed entrance and a pleasant spot to relax in winter and summer.
- Space for fruit trees, veggies etc.
- Proximity to CBD, railway and shopping.
The extension - the owner has been interested in alternative energy and conservation since the 1970’s and planned to ‘owner-build’ an energy and water efficient extension to the rear upon retiring in 2004. -
Jan 2005 - Solar hot water (gas boosted) was added. -
May 2005 - Architects Third Ecology were engaged to draw up floor plans. -
March 2006 - Walk in robe and ensuite added to main bedroom. -
Nov 2006 - Concrete slab poured for main extension at rear. -
Feb 2007 - Solar electricity installed. (1kW grid connected Origin system) -
Mid 2007 Effective completion
May 2008 Hydronic heating added.
Performance Solar hot water requires no gas boosting from Sept to Mar PV system supplies over half annual electricity needs. Water consumption down to 20 litres per day for 6 months of the year. On Black Saturday when it was 47 degrees outside, the extension reached a max of 25 degrees. -
Structure and design considerations
Floor Polished concrete slab
Walls Timber frame with 50mm recycled polystyrene external cladding and R2 polyester batt insulation.
Roof Colourbond with reflective foil and R3.5 ceiling insulation
Windows Timber framed double glazed
Shading North east and west windows are protected by deciduous vines.
Water Rainwater tanks total 13000 litre capacity. House plumbing has been designed so that drinking water is normally from mains supply but everything else is from tank water when available. A further 15000 litres of tank capacity is to be installed under the rear carport. Street water is harvested from the gutter into a 3000 litre underground tank in the front yard for garden use only. A circulator pump draws hot water from the water heater and returns it to HWS to minimize cold water running to waste while waiting for hot water at tap.
Grey water All waste water except toilet is used on the garden including kitchen sink waste.
Monitoring Soil and water is tested for pH and TDS to monitor possible problems regarding horticulture.
Garden - Fruit trees: Nectarine,Pear, Fig, Apricot, Lemon, Lime, Guava, Mulberry Vegetables are grown in back yard, front yard, nature strip and reserve.
(August 2009) (
