This project demonstrates the importance of an integrated team in delivering well designed sustainable homes.

IN BRIEF

Create a truly sustainable and desirable home. Importantly, the project was designed so that the thinking, processes and outcomes of how the designers creatively addressed the site, brief, material and construction requirements, could be promoted to assist the wider community of home designers and builders in delivering sustainable outcomes in the future.

ARCHITECT’S WORDS

The modest, relatively level sandy site, with northern orientation on the street side, required careful design to enable solar access to the living areas of the home while ensuring good connections with external areas, including the back garden.

The key idea was to arrange the living areas and bedrooms into two separate volumes on either side of a large internal courtyard, connected by a spine of service areas and accessways. The beautiful, private courtyard with adjustable shading over and a screened green wall to the west ensures the environment, privacy and sun are easily managed throughout the seasons. It also ensures as many parts of the house as possible can benefit from good solar access, while connecting to the exterior.

An 8-star rating was achieved for the potential thermal performance of the house. This was achieved through passive design using a range of sustainable materials and systems. Testing showed that money was better spent on additional PV panels rather than improving the rating over this level in Sydney.

Living and bedroom areas are well insulated with high levels of protected thermal mass and quality windows and doors. They have been zoned separately from the service areas and hallway, which are in a separate “unconditioned” space, forming a protective spine to the east.

Three 2,200 litre water tanks located behind the screen in the central courtyard, are connected to toilets, washing machine and landscape. A grey water system is connected to the lawns and orchards. High performance water saving fixtures and appliances reduce the overall consumption, as does the specially designed permaculture garden. All materials, finishes and fixtures were carefully selected on the basis of their sustainability credentials and aesthetic qualities.

On the specially angled rear roof sits a gas boosted solar hot water collector, which helps to greatly reduce the energy target and 3 kW of PVs, designed to deliver a net zero energy outcome over the year.

ACCOLADES

  • AIA NSW Awards, Marion Mahony Griffin Prize to Caroline Pidcock 2011
  • BPN Sustainability Awards, Single Dwelling (New) (Special Mention) 2011

PRODUCTS

CISTERNS
GEBERIT, WATER EFFICIENT

TIMBER
IRONWOOD, CLADDING, DECKING

TAPWEAR, SHOWERHEADS, BASINS, BATHS
PARISI BATHWARE, WATER EFFICIENT

LED LIGHTING
KODA LIGHTING

WALLS DRIVEWAY POOL
BORAL BRICKS, RECYCLED CONCRETE

PLASTERBOARD
CSR BUILDING PRODUCTS
CSR GYPROCK

INSULATION
DYNAMIC COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGIES

APPLIANCES
MIELE AUSTRALIA

GREEN WALL
ELMICH

ROLLER BLINDS
VEROSOL AUSTRALIA

EXTERNAL CLADDING
WEATHERTEX, WEATHERBOARDS

PAINT
WATTYL

TILES
BISANNA