Enid’s Eco house 2017

House Notes – Enid’s Eco house

Passive solar design principles with living areas and courtyards facing north. Minimal areas of glazing facing west and east. Appropriate shading to all glazing allowing winter sun to penetrate into the building and summer sun to be excluded. Good cross ventilation with a maximum of 2 rooms deep. Double glazing used throughout resulting in less heat loss in winter and less heat gain in summer.  SIPS wall construction giving a high level of wall insulation and minimal wall thickness. High levels of insulation. Compact size for efficient heating and cooling when required. Solar PV system feeding back to the grid. Solar hot water unit with evacuated tubes. Solar pergola over the living courtyard to shade in summer but allow winter sun into the building. Rain water tanks linked together to capture roof run-off and connected to the toilets and laundry. Water can also be used to water garden.

Space for edible garden and native garden. Design needed to be sympathetic with the heritage listed streetscape of this part of Kelmscott hence the verandahs facing the street and the cottage feel to the design. This enhances the interaction with the street life and neighbours. No solid walls facing the street and isolating the residence from the community. The development has allowed the owner to live in a comfortable new home and earn an income from renting the new granny flat and refurbished existing home.

Built by Gary Palma

Designed by Design For Seasons