Sustainable House Day, Hilton1, Western Australia

Retrofitting an older-style fibro home to incorporate sustainable living and gardens to effectively maximise block size.

Sustainable Elements featured in this home

Water Harvesting Systems
Rain water collection spread over 3 tanks – one dedicated to drinking and cooking, the remaining two for gardens.  Water from laundry and shower is collected and automatically pumped out to irrigate fruit trees from a greywater tank via a submersible pump which comes on when water level reaches 2/3rds full.

Special Garden Features
The house block is approximately 550 sq metres and all areas of the garden have been effectively converted from lawn to vegetable production, fruit orchard and chook pen and area, compost bays and worm farm, all based on permaculture principles and using recycled materials.

External Walls
The construction of the house is fibro and (jarrah) timber frame and painted light in colour to reflect the heat. North facing garden is also partially shaded by large (deciduous) tree in summer, with both northerly and westerly aspects protected by a large verandah. There are French doors on the west to take advantage of the cooling westerly seabreezes in summer, with large windows on the eastern side to ensure airflow.

Roof
Rating 3 3insulation with fixed roof ventilator used to assist the indoor temps in both summer and winter. PV panels have been installed on the northerly aspect of the roof to take advantage of the sunny aspect

Floor
Original and recycled jarrah – house is raised so there is considerable airflow to assist with sub-floor ventilation

Window Treatments
Curtains with sunblock on westerly aspect and exterior blinds on western verandah to shade house in summer

Solar Generation
1.1 kW solar power system, incorporation low energy light and other household fittings hence ensuring that there is less reliance on the grid. Grid power is sourced as green energy.

Heating & Cooling
Windows and doors for capture of the seabreeze and on extreme heat days, ceiling fans help circulate air through the house.  Heating by wood fire

Water Heating
Instantaneous gas

Transport
On bus route (with bonus of a bus stop outside property)

Other
Part of the Hilton Harvest Community Garden group which promotes sustainable living and community spirit.