An owner built mud-brick house and studios on bush acreage.
The inspiration of Moongate was to build an environmentally friendly dwelling in a natural setting to complement our artistic lifestyle.
CLIMATE ZONE - Mediterranean
NEW BUILD - Purpose built, architect designed to optimise winter sun and minimise summer sun.
SUSTAINABLE ELEMENTS FEATURED IN THIS HOME
Water Harvesting Systems Two concrete above-ground tanks holding 90,000 litres in total supply the house through an electric pressure pump. A large dam in a gully feeds a 4500 litre tank on a stand through a petrol pump for garden, summer showers and optional toilet flushing. Water saving shower head in bathroom. All black and grey water is sent through a traditional septic system into two long soakage pits over which trees and gardens are planted. No mains water.
Garden Layout A 5 x 15 metre vegetable plot has been enclosed to keep out kangaroos and rabbits. Compost heaps take all kitchen and green waste. Several large garden areas of drought tolerant plants surround the house to encourage bird life and provide shade and green during the hot summers. An island in the dam also offers a sanctuary for birdlife.
External and Internal Walls Mud-brick was used for thermal properties and low environmental impact. All windows, doors, timber, fired clay-bricks and furniture is recycled.
Roof Galvanised corrugated iron over timber cathedral ceilings with fibreglass insulation blanket.
Floor Concrete slab construction finished with slate throughout, carpet in bedrooms and studios.
Electricity Grid connected with 1 kw PV panel system with a Sunny Boy inverter.
Heating, Cooling and Cooking Internal free-standing brick open fires heat the house. Wood supplied from fallen timber on property. Kitchen heating and cooking from a Stanley slow combustion stove with backup bottle-gas range for summer. Large pantry to store ingredients for home cooking.
Water Heating Stiebel Eltron 3oo Ee heat pump supplies hot water.
(August 2009) (
