Sustainable House Day, Glenwaverly, Victoria

 

Monash 2009 Greenest Household. The plan is to produce a mains water free native Australian garden around an existing home being renovated to a zero mains water intake and a zero balance grid power balance.

Renovation:   Modifying for low energy usage, sustainable solar energy production & on site water collection & usage. A work in progress.

Unique Sustainable Elements featured in this home  

Water Harvesting System Collect 5,000 litres of rain water in one under house bladder tank, the ceramic tile roof rain water collection is screened through "leaf guard" protected gutters draining to “first flush diverters” through each drainage point to keep the water free from roof debris & insects such as mosquitoes. No mains water has been drawn since installation of the system in February 2009. Water is pumped to house points by an on demand pressure pump through a double 10 micron primary/ activated carbon silver secondary filter system.

Special Garden Features The small suburban garden is planted with indigenous plants and grasses in a natural style to match the local Scotsman creek reserve.

All plantings are designed to become a sanctuary for native birds, mammals and insect life, giving them safe places to breed. Six nesting boxes have been installed around the home.

Ceiling Old (40 year) rock wool replaced with R 3.5 poly insulation batts.    

Window Treatments A secondary double glazing system is being progressively installed throughout, curtains have been rehung within newly installed pelmets and exterior canvas blinds to shade house in summer.

Solar Power Generation 1.02 kW solar hybrid panel grid power system. Upgrade to 2.04 kW is on order.  

Lighting LED and other low wattage lighting in use.

Heating & Cooling As the home is naturally cool, air con has been removed.

The hot water ring main is used to supply hydronic heating by copper radiators to select areas of the home. A solar air tempering and clean air ventilation system is being installed in the living area.

  Water Heating Two panel Solar – with instantaneous gas back up (April to October)