The clients being environmental and social justice advocates, Positive Footprints effectively integrated imaginative and ecological initiatives into Penola House to not only reflect their values, but to also inspire others.
The dwelling encompasses passive design principles and consideration for neighbourly solar access.
Director of Positive Footprints Jeremy Spencer said Penola house stands out as one of just a handful of houses across Australia to achieve a 9.1 star energy efficiency rating, with a modest budget.
“As well as our usual add-ons of photovoltaics, solar hot water, rainwater collection, and grey water re-use, the house boasts a thorough environmental specifications list,” says Spencer.
“Materials used throughout the house provided a healthy environment for the owners and minimal environmental impact more broadly,” he says.
Using the Accurate House Energy Rating software, the modeling predicts that the house will use approximately 75 per cent less energy to heat and cool than the 6 star requirements. Amongst the sustainable initiatives, the house utilises reverse brick veneer wall and polished concrete floor, to act as a heat store in winter, and a cool store in summer, which in turn moderates external temperature extremes.
A number of materials were recycled from the site including; timber, metals, plastics, bricks and glass.
The judges say Penola House is a great example of small scale suburban sustainability where a desire for good outcomes in the social and built context are a strong part of the design:
“The modest budget - well within the grasp of the average home buyer - is another critically important outcome.”
Special Mention: Australian Living
The judges made a special mention of Australian Living and Caroline Pidcock’s house at Rose Bay for its great design response to a challenging site in a crowded urban situation. They note how passive design and natural light are well considered and work extremely well.
‘A Truly Sustainable Home’ integrated sustainability into every aspect of design and construction, receiving an 8 star rating for the thermal performance of the house.
