Cape Tribulation Tropical Research Station 2019

House Notes – Cape Tribulation Tropical Research Station

Cape Tribulation Tropical Research Station

8.5 Ha re-forested property at Cape Tribulation (grassland in 1988!) – now a small, independent biological and conservation research station.  5.7 KW solar array, 2 dehumidified laboratories, workshop, 5 bunkroom cabins (all made with reclaimed timber), communal area (kitchen, library, office and dining area – ( in  reclaimed 1960’s Main Road’s ‘dongas’), beginning permaculture garden, Solar pumped bore water supply, composting toilets, large 3 bin waste composter for garden, Evacuated tube solar HWS. We run 3 high efficiency refrigerators/freezers as well as two (Station designed an built), high efficiency dehumidifiers. Involved in battery technology research as well.  Not what you’d expect in the ‘bush’.
Designed to accommodate up to 25 volunteers/groups
For more information go to www.facebook.com/austrop.

The station is opposite PK’s Back-Packers  (Bat House) – just drive up the gravel trail behind the Bat House.

Architected by Hugh Spencer

Built by Hugh Spencer and volunteers

Sustainability Features

Years Open
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT FEATURES
    • Energy efficiency:
    • Efficient lighting
      Efficient appliances
      Energy monitoring
    • Passive heating cooling:
    • Cross ventilation
      Shading
    • Active heating cooling:
    • Dehumidifers - 2 station designed and constructed 24V DC (using HC refrigerant).
    • Water heating:
    • Solar hot water (evacuated tube)

    • Water heating:
    • Small gas booster heater
    • Average water consumption per day:
    • 50L
    • Water harvesting and saving
    • Solar bore
    • Energy Efficient Lighting
    • LED lights throughout
      Natural daylight
    • Window Protection:
    • Drapes/curtains
SUSTAINABLE & RECYCLED MATERIALS
    • Recycled and reused materials:
    • Resused - roofing, refrigeration parts, you name it!
    • Recycled and reused materials:
    • Appliances
      Basins/sinks
      Copper pipes/fittings
      Doors
      Roofing material
      Timber

INSULATION SPECIFICATIONS
    • Insulation Type:
    • Ceiling

    • Ceiling Type:
    • Sisalation and Thermal Blanket
    • Other Insulation Methods:
    • Labs only - steel/polystyrene composite panels
RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIFICATIONS
    • All-Electric Home?
    • No
    • Renewable energy used:
    • Solar PV off-grid
    • Size of PV system:
    • 6kW
    • Average Daily Energy Consumption:
    • 3kWh
HOUSE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
    • House Size
    • 5 cabins, ablutions/laundry, 2 laboratories (dehumidified), workshop and common area
    • BAL Rating
    • BAL – Low: There is insufficient risk to warrant specific construction requirements
    • Roof
    • Metal (Colorbond)
    • Wall Materials
    • Insulated panels or blocks
      Timber
    • Window and Door Types
    • Clerestory windows
      Double glazing

    • Window and Door Types
    • Insect screened windows (suitable for this climate)
    • Number of bedrooms
    • 10
    • Number of bathrooms
    • 2
GARDEN AND WASTE REDUCTION
    • Garden / Outdoors
    • Chickens
      Composting
      Drip irrigation
      Edible garden
      Permaculture
      Native plants
    • Waste Reduction Practices:
    • Compost all food scraps
      Recycle
      Repair
HEALTHY HOME FEATURES
    • Healthy home features
    • Airtight house design
      Cabinet design to minimise dust collection

    • Healthy Home
    • High efficiency dehumidification, humidity conserving exchange technology
Location
Cape Tribulation QLD 4873
    • Housing Type:
    • Shared Community
    • Project Type:
    • Continual Improvement
    • Open with support of
    • Australian Tropical Research Foundation
    • Builder
    • Hugh Spencer and volunteers

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