Edwardian Electric is a modest Edwardian weatherboard in Melbourne’s inner north, built over a century ago with no insulation, single glazing, gas appliances and significant draughts. When purchased in 2004, the home likely performed at 0.9 stars, with a thermal load of 576 MJ/m² per year. Over two decades, through staged, affordable and strategic retrofits completed alongside family life, it has been transformed into a 7.7‑star, fully electric, solar‑powered, net‑exporting home.
Early upgrades focused on low‑cost improvements: ceiling and wall insulation, draught sealing and solar hot water (supported by the Green Loan Scheme and 66c FiT). Gas systems were progressively replaced.first heating, then hot water, and finally cooking. Culminating in full electrification by 2017. The kitchen renovation prioritised longevity and efficient appliances instead of expansion.
In 2024, as empty nesters, we undertook a major right‑sizing renovation with Brave New Eco. Rather than extend, the existing footprint was redesigned for orientation, comfort and natural light. Structural repairs enabled completion of the thermal envelope: restumping, underfloor insulation, R7.0 ceiling insulation, enhanced wall insulation, airtightness improvements, triple‑glazed Binq windows and upgraded glazing to heritage elements. The result was a ~90% reduction in heating and cooling demand, achieving 48.4 MJ/m² annual thermal load.
A climate‑responsive solar verandah, layered shading, lined curtains, western external blind and natural ventilation strategy further stabilise seasonal comfort. Lighting was upgraded to efficient LEDs with dimming flexibility.
The garden, designed in 2025, follows a naturalistic, climate‑adapted planting approach supporting biodiversity while minimising maintenance. Renewable energy capacity was expanded to 10.5 kW of solar with 20 kWh battery storage, enabling net export of 11.5 MWh in 1.5 years, enough to power 1.5 average Australian homes annually.
