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ENERGY EFFICIENT BAYSIDE HOME |
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Category: Building Design, Sustainable House Day 2011, Solar, Sustainable House Day 2010 |
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Anonymous Author (August 2010) |
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Exceptionally Energy Efficient House in Bayside Richard Potter has worked in the solar power industry for over 27 years, in the USA and Australia. Practicing what he preaches, six years ago he set out to put his money where his mouth is, and design an energy efficient home for his family.
The house has won numerous State and Federal design awards, including:
1. The National HIA GreenSmart Award in 2008
2. The Bayside Environmental Sustainability Award in 2005
The house is bright, cheery and a pleasure to live in.
Richard is Managing Director of Solar Charge – one of the leading solar power companies in Australia.
Demonstrating a very energy efficient house using readily available products.
House Ratings 42 points / 8+ stars
Main features
Passive solar design (owners with Solar Solutions, Wantirna)
Solar Grid Connect system (Solar Charge, Oakleigh South)
Solar Hot Water system (Solar Edwards)
Rain water tanks (Blue Scope Steel)
Passive Solar Design Principles
- House positioned on south side of block to maximise exposure to north sun.
- Main living areas on north side, with infrequently used rooms, on south side.
- Zoning of living areas, including door at bottom of stairs.
- Entry way airlock.
- Thermal mass inside to help maintain stable temperatures (slab and internal brick walls).
- Lightweight HEBEL outside walls minimises summer heat.
- Windows for natural lighting and heat, maximised on north side, minimised on west and south sides. Double glazing throughout.
- Eaves designed to keep out summer sun.
- Carefully installed insulation minimises thermal leakage (‘r’ factor: 2.5 batts in walls, 1.5 batts plus concertina foil in ceilings). Window frames also sealed with foam.
- Dark floor tiles, in main living areas, absorb the winter sun’s warmth during the day.
- Garden: Plants and positioning carefully chosen.
Appliances
- Grid Connect solar power system, recently upgraded to 3kW, covers all house utility costs.
- Energy efficient lighting throughout the house: globes & downlights.
- Ventilation system to maintain healthy, fresh air year round.
- Solar Hot Water system with instantaneous gas backup.
- Rain water tanks (30,000 litres) for all water taps (except drinking).
- Water saving shower heads.
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