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Garden tours, eco-renovation presentations and much more at the official launch and celebration of the new-look Yandina Community Gardens on Sunday 13th September - come along and join the celebration!
The 'Blue House Goes Green' eco renovation project, was a collaborative initiative in 2008/09 following the first Transition Town course held at the Yandina Community Gardens on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
The aim was to show how a traditional Queensland building could be renovated to be more energy-efficient and remains an on-going project between the Sunshine Coast Council, local industry and the community.
The house, gardens and food systems at the Yandina Community Gardens show many examples of low-cost self-sufficiency and how a house is just one part of a 'sustainable home' environment.
Stage 1 of the 'makeover' is now complete, and will be presented via two house tours and presentations on Sustainable House Day (see website for program and talk times)
SOME ECO FEATURES ON DISPLAY ON THE 13TH ARE::
a 1kwh solar system & solar hot water (note: apparently the permaculture group have already received a $35 credit on their first power bill!)
a weather station that monitors rainfall, and other climate data
a new timber awning over the Western garden entry that acts as a heat deflector (afternoon summer sun), hot air extraction (fly roof design),protection from rainy weather, and a vertical growing surface for the adjoining food garden ...and it allows the kitchen door to be left open during the hot rainy weather when ventilation is so important.
roof ventilation to extract heat build up from roof cavity (ceiling already had bulk insulation) Stage 2 possible trial of solar heating and cooling system
new rain water tanks placed on south side of building to act as weather buffer in winter (separate project but the placement will have a subtle effect on indoor comfort)
a budget kitchen 'eco-makeover' with 90% pre-loved materials and fixtures, natrual paints and sealers (and a smaller secondhand fridge to replace the old large one and bar fridge, that were underutilised and adding to the power bill).
and in the gardens ......
the new aquaponics system (fish + plants = masses of organic food!)
a strawbale garden shelter
extensive permaculture systems and demonstrations
Come see what we've done on Sunday 13th!
There will be two tours of the house followed by 'design for climate' presentations at 11am and 2pm on Sunday 13th, September, with handy take-home notes, and lots of simple low-tech ideas to make your home work naturally. During the tours, we will look at "Stage 2" and discuss how to alter the all-important Northern aspect of your house when the existing eaves and windows and doors, don't make the best use of the suns path to heat and cool the living spaces.
Download the program for the day at the SHD website, or simply turn up to the Yandina Community Gardens at 41 Farrell St, Yandina, this Sunday from 10am - 3pm. It's free, its fun and will be sure to inspire!
(September 2009) (
