Summary
Our house was an attempt to build a suburban family home incorporating ecologically sustainable principles of design, materials and function. The result is a beautiful living environment which fulfils this brief.
Architect/builder Glen Rodgers (www.thirdecology.com.au); built by Daran Constructions http://www.thirdecology.com.au/html/projects/residential/queenspark01.html
Features
Passive solar elements North facing living area; internal thermal mass (50mm polished concrete floor); high performance double glazing; correctly designed eaves;external awnings; limited south facing glazing; north facing Wintergarden as heat trap; heat shifters to south-facing rooms; cross-flow ventilation; high R value insulation (walls/floor/ceiling)
Materials Low emission paints/joinery; recycled/plantation timber; radially sawn timber for external cladding (higher yield per log) with no finish (less paint); recycled timber fence; non structural concrete screed floor – (poured on timber floor- less concrete without reinforcement); locally sourced materials
Building Site run-off minimised with straw bales- reused as mulch, good waste management
Heating/cooling Zoned gas hydronic heating; ceiling fans; cross flow ventilation
Energy production 2kW grid interactive PV system- total electricity bill for 2 years- $140 (excluding service cost); solar hot water (gas boosted) (gas usage $1450 over 2 + years incl. Hydronic heating)
Energy saving Appliances- energy efficient where possible, including installation/usage- eg ventilation behind refrigerator, front loader washing machine used mainly with cold wash,medium size fridge and small freezer, a south facing pantry which stays cool ; low energy lighting (compact fluoro – typical use is around 100 watts to light the house); no tumble dryer or air conditioner
Water Rainwater tanks supplying 100% house and garden water needs (19,500 litres); low flow taps; careful water use
Waste Black water treatment and re-use on-site (Biolytix with 200sq m underground irrigation to garden); permeable external paths to reduce storm water run-off; composting (Aerobin)
Garden Native/cacti/succulent ornamental garden; vegetable garden designed on organic principles; fruit trees; garden tank using “first flush” water from rainwater collection
GETTING THERE ON THE DAY...
If driving, after crossing the Queens Park bridge take the first left where you can park your car and walk along the path about 200 metres which takes you to the back of the house and up the side to the front. It's a lovely walk and will be easier to get a parking spot.
(August 2009) (
