story RATING |
  3.00 (May work) from 2 votes (864 Visits) |
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Sustainable House Day, Wellington Point, Queensland |
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Category: Sustainable House Day 2009 |
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by SHD  (August 2009) (rank 13th) |
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‘Solaris’, Wellington Point
A retrofit of a 1980 passive solar designed home.
Retrofit: A retrofit of a 30-year-old, passive solar weatherboard and brick veneer home.
Unique Sustainable Elements featured in this home
Water Harvesting Systems
18,000 L of rainwater storage provides 90% of water inside and out, including drinking. Automatic switch over to mains water when tank supplies run low. Grey water is collected from sink and washing machine via a diverter valve.
Special Garden Features
A vegetable garden and fruit trees are supplied with rainwater and grey water.
Materials
Low-volatile organic compound (VOC) paints and natural oils have been used throughout.
External Walls
The original weatherboard walls have been retrofitted with reflective foil insulation in some areas.
Roof
Light-coloured roof with R2.5 glass fibre insulation blanket with reflective foil.
Floor
Slab on ground with dark slate tiles, good for solar gain in winter and shaded in summer to stay cool.
Window Treatments
Tinted glazing and insulating ‘cellular’ blinds used internally on some windows. Curtains and pelmets used on other windows. A north-facing clerestory window attracts solar heat in winter and provides natural light, and is fitted with roller shutters to control light and heat when required. Adjustable external shades are fitted on some east and west-facing windows.
Passive design
The home is a classic passive solar design from the 1970s. Built in 1980, it features living areas positioned in the north and north-east to capture the best of the winter sun and summer sea breezes. The open plan living area achieves good cross-ventilation and is fitted with high efficiency ceiling fans.
The home is generally 22-28C in summer and 18-22C in winter. Even on a 40 degree day, the home is 31C inside; when it is 5C outside, it is 16C inside.
Solar or Wind Power Generation
1.36 kW solar grid-connected electricity system. Due to the very low electricity use, the house produces 40% more energy than it needs, providing cost savings and tax-free income.
Heating & Cooling
Only ceiling fans are used.
Water Heating
180 litre Solahart Black Chrome XII solar hot water heater with gas boosting.
