Kingfisher Home is an owner-designed and built family home by builder Jesse Billington, demonstrating how a healthy, mould-resistant home can be achieved on a modest budget.
The house is wrapped in a continuous Pro Clima membrane across the walls and roof to create an airtight building envelope. Window and door connections are taped to maintain airtightness. A cavity batten system sits outside the membrane supporting cladding and roofing while reducing thermal bridging and allowing hot air to vent through eaves and cavity vents.
The roof membrane is adhered to a breathable OSB ply substrate, with insulation installed below the ply between rafters, protecting it from condensation and moisture while helping regulate the home’s internal climate. Fixed windows are double glazed to improve thermal performance and climate resilience.
The layout follows passive design principles suited to Northern NSW’s subtropical climate. Service areas including bathroom, WC and garage sit on the western side to buffer afternoon heat. Living spaces face east to capture morning light while bedrooms sit on the southern side to remain cooler. A central light well brings natural light and ventilation into the centre of the home. Open living connects to patio and pool with cross-ventilation for hot conditions.
Polished concrete floors provide thermal mass, regulating indoor temperature and supporting a low-dust environment.
A feature hempcrete wall absorbs excess humidity and releases it as levels drop, helping stabilise indoor moisture.
The home includes provisions for future HRV and dehumidifier ducting, air-conditioning and a framed fireplace opening so systems can be installed later as family needs evolve.
Healthy building methodology guided the construction and reflects the approach used by Billington Projects. Timber deliveries were requested dry, framing moisture monitored using a moisture meter, mould inspected and treated where required, dust vacuumed from the structure, and linings installed only once framing was confirmed dry and mould-free.
During the home tour we will explain the moisture management and healthy building techniques used to create mould-resistant homes in humid Northern NSW conditions.
Or more project details can be found at billingtonprojects.com
