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Sustainable House Day, Jan Juc, Victoria |
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Category: Sustainable House Day 2009 |
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by janjuc  (August 2009) (rank 117th) |
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I wanted to live in a house that did not impose itself on the environment, it had to do this from an aesthetic and functional aspect.
The house was designed by an architect aware of my concerns for environment, Ricky Zen. The design was further enhanced when it was given to Energy Efficiency, Victoria to fine tune.
Water Storage
The house is set up with 3 water tanks at strategic positions around the house.
A 3000 litre, 2800 litre and a 1100 litre.
The tanks provide all the water requirements for drinking and watering of indigenous and vegetable gardens
Garden
With some expert advice and assistance from my brother, (West Coast Indigenous Plant Nursery), I have used indigenous flora on the 1 acre block to help provide a natural setting. The benefits of this as I see it are:
• Provide habitat for local wildlife
• Plants are used to soil and climatic conditions making maintenance less intensive
• It draws a large variety of wildlife to my doorstep. Birds provide color and melodies while visiting echidnas, blue tongues, frogs and other fauna are welcome reminders that we are all sharing the same space.
External Walls
Brick Veneer. Added insulation was provided in the walls and between wooden floor spaces to reduce heat loss
Roof
Corrugated Iron. I didn’t want the house to be conspicuous in its environment. The silver color was chosen to reflect heat and keep the house cool.
Floor
Tiles are used as heat banks in the Nth facing living area. Recycled Tasmanian Oak is used in other living spaces.
Solar
The house has been designed to be energy efficient. The large North facing windows provide light and warmth in the winter and in summer the large eaves shield the windows from the sun. Cross ventilation from doors and windows means the house is easily cooled. Solar hot water panels are combined with natural gas to provide hot water. One kilowatt solar voltaic cells help to offset electrical costs.
Heating and Cooling
Generally the house is very comfortable without too much artificial assistance but a ceiling fan is used to provide air movement sometimes in the summer and a gas “wood heater” can be switched on for extra warmth. Rooms can be easily partitioned off to minimize heat loss.
