A new redevelopment on an existing site in one of Canberra’s inner southern suburban areas. Most sites in Narrabundah are small and this always leads to challenging design and siting problems. This house is an outstanding example of achieving good results from passive solar design on a tightly constrained block.
New or Retro: New House completed in 2007
Architect: Robbie Gibson – Greenhouse Design
Unique Sustainable Elements featured in this home
Water Harvesting: 10,000 litre in-ground rainwater tank connected to cold water supply via Aquasource filter system. Dedicated 1000 litre tank for kitchen only use. No charged lines – free-draining system. Grey water recycling system is used.
External walls: Steel-clad and Exin-clad stud frame walls with some parts using reverse masonry veneer configuration. General R rating of 4.25 m2/w.0C
Internal walls: Generally brick partitions throughout to increase thermal inertia and heat storage capacity.
Roof: Colorbond steel corrugated roof in light colour to reflect heat. Low-pitch roof approx. 100.
Floor: Concrete slab on ground with edge insulation. Honed surface with pigment and urethane finish to maintain thermal couple with the internal air-space.
Window treatments: Clear double-glazed timber-framed windows with recessed pelmets and drapes throughout.
Solar or wind generation: No. ACTEW Green Power scheme is used.
Heating & Cooling: Slow combustion fuel heater and electric wall units – these are used with a view to eventual installation of PV array. Greenpower also offsets emissions.
Water Heating: Evacuated tube solar system.
Appliances: Recycling chute in kitchen; recycled materials (timber, bricks, bathtubs); High-mass shelving and storage cupboards gives additional heat storage capacity.
Other: Recycled salvaged wood used for fuel in slow combustion heater.
(August 2009) (
