At a glance, the Newtown Terrace – just off King Street in Sydney’s Newtown – may appear to be just your typical inner-city terrace house. But a closer inspection will reveal an innovative restoration of a Victorian terrace, that employs best practice in environmentally sustainable design.
Designed by Hungerford + Edmunds, the four-bedroom project was modelled three-dimensionally in CAD to determine the optimum roof forms to maximise direct winter sunlight to the south-facing living areas. A valley skillion roof was chosen as a response to the orientation, and delivers winter sun to the main living areas.
This is complemented with insulted double-brick walls which stores heat in winter, and keeps the dwelling cool in summer.
The design also incorporates a number of sustainable water features. One of these is the under-house storage for 12,000 litres of rainwater. The water is used for drinking water and showering, and is heated with a gas boosted, evacuated tube, solar hot water system.
Another water feature is the grey water (showers, baths and basins) which is collected and treated on site and used for toilet flushing and clothes washing.
Additionally, ceiling fans, bio wall paint and compact fluorescent light fittings are used throughout the house.
