Sustainable House Day, Meadow Springs, Western Australia

Sustainable Mandurah Home

New Build: Built in 2005 to showcase affordable, sustainable building and living practices.

Unique Sustainable Elements featured in this home

Passive Heating & Cooling
The passive solar design helps maintain a comfortable temperature all year round, without the aid of artificial heating or cooling. Shading and ventilation are used to keep the home cool in summer, while winter sun warms the home, maintaining average temperatures no higher than 28*C in summer nor lower than 18*C in winter. The house is oriented on the block so that the family, meals and other living areas face north to allow the penetration of warming winter sun. The bathroom, ensuite and laundry also have northern outlooks and good ventilation to minimise mould and mildew.
The appropriate selection and location of building materials, such as the tiled floors and brick walls, provide the thermal mass required to store winter heat and generally stabilize temperatures. Fixed angle solar louvers on the north side help shade walls and windows in summer, yet allow the sun through in winter. Breeze paths have been considered within the home to allow maximum cross ventilation. Along the south wall there are three small nib walls that have been carefully located to redirect the sea breeze into adjacent windows. The ceiling, roof, and east and west cavity walls have been insulated to help reduce heat gain in summer, and heat loss in winter.    
Careful choice and location of plants help shade and cool the house, windows and paving in summer. Varieties include deciduous trees, vines and ground covers. Removable shade sails deflect summer heat and glare, without compromising the penetration of winter sun into the house. The two ecovents on the roof use no electricity yet automatically open and close to remove excess heat from the roof space in summer only.

Window Treatments
Glazing has either been limited or shaded on east and west walls to reduce the entry of harsh summer sun in the mornings and afternoons. Standard single glazing has been used throughout. Curtains with pelmets help reduce heat loss and gain through windows and stops draughts.

Water Heating
A gas boosted solar hot water system is en efficient way to provide sufficient hot water, while minimising greenhouse gas emissions.

Water Efficiency and Harvesting Systems
The home is equipped with Star Rated water-efficient taps, showerheads and appliances. A gas boosted solar hot water system is en efficient way to provide sufficient hot water, while minimising greenhouse gas emissions. Approximately 44,000 litres of rainwater per year is collected from the roof, and used in the toilets and laundry. Approximately 100,000 litres of grey water per year is diverted from the house, and channelled through an approved sub-surface irrigation system into the garden.

Solar or Wind Power Generation
Photovoltaic cells capture and convert the sun's energy into electricity - a 1.5kW grid-connected panel system provides on average 7 units of electricity per day.

Special Garden Features
The waterwise 'Sir Walter' lawn is hardy and shade tolerant, and is watered by sub-surface irrigation which can reduce water use by up to 40%. A well mulched native garden uses less water and nutrients, thrives in our tough climate, and will attract a beautiful array of birds, lizards and insects. This Council-approved verge treatment is low-maintenance, and provides colour and diversity to this often neglected piece of the garden.

Other Features
Low allergenic and low toxicity materials, such as carpets and paints, have been used for improved indoor air quality. Universal access features, such as wider doorways, easily accessible light switches and power points, and a hobless shower, ensure comfort and ease for people of all ages and abilities.

Further information and pictures can be found at: www.sustainablemandurah.com.au