Our passive solar four bedroom house, designed by architect Nigel Coates of Fisher ACT, builder Peter Nell of Junee, was completed in 2007 and is on sloping ground in suburban Wagga Wagga.
Features:
Building faces solar north, with large areas of double glazing to welcome winter sun.
High thermal mass of brick and concrete to minimise temperature swings.
Extensive insulation under roof, ceiling, walls and insulation under concrete.
Reverse brick veneer structure, with external leaves of colorbond, Alaskan cedar plantation timber and brick. Wide eaves.
Doors and windows sealed to prevent unwanted air entry.
Use of non toxic bio paint on interior surfaces.
For cooling air enters via cooling water tanks in the basement and vents in concrete floor and exits through high clerestory windows - a solar chimney effect. Removable summer pergola shading on the north side.
Heating is mostly solar with sun heating concrete floor. Captured heat is released slowly overnight. Temperature is main living area can rise 6 degree C in winter by sun alone. A removable Trombe wall collects heat also. Efficient convection fireplace assists winter warmth.
Plenty of natural light. Compact fluorescent light throughout.
Recyclable materials used include red gum deck beams, paving bricks, silky oak tables, some doors and sinks.
Endless Solar hot water system with instant gas booster. Gas used for cooking. Gas and electricity usage about 20% of average household consumption.
Photovoltaic panels installed November 2009 (7 x 170 watt) generating 6.4 Kwh daily in summer.
Four water tanks provide 22,000 litres of storage, supplying toilets, laundry, drinking and garden. Showers and mixers AAA rated. We preferred to store rainwater rather than use treated effluent. We use some town water
All native garden, with many indigenous plants. No lawns. No exotics except in the vegie garden. Winner 2009 Sir Joseph Banks medal Wagga Wagga for bio sustainable garden - residential section.
Seamless visual flow from the living area to the landscape beyond.
In summary: A comfortable home with a lovely view.
(August 2009) (
