Mulga House 2018

House Notes – Mulga House

Our vision was to build an energy efficient, comfortable, modern family home on our existing block in O’Connor. It was very important to us that we reduce our energy consumption and create a light, bright and airy home that would use solar passive principles to take full advantage of the northern aspect on the long side of the block.

While we wanted to keep to a modest footprint, we also wanted enough space for our small family to be able to spread out when we needed to. It’s been two years since we moved in and we are delighted with the results. The layout of our home suits us very well and is so much more effective than the post-war house we replaced. The sunlight pours in through the north-facing glass and we find we rely less on heating (electric panels) in winter. Cross ventilation and shading mean we haven’t needed air conditioning in summer. We’ve installed PV panels on the roof and a charging point in the garage for our electric car, and we are establishing a relatively water wise garden. We’re pleased with what we’ve achieved so far and would be happy to show the house to other people who are interested in doing something similar.

Visitors are asked to remove their shoes before coming through the house.

Designed by Jigsaw Housing, now trading as LIghthouse Architecture and Science and built by 35 Degrees Pty Ltd

Sustainability Features

Years Open
2018
ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT FEATURES
    • Energy efficiency:
    • Draught proofing
      Efficient lighting
    • Passive heating cooling:
    • Cross ventilation
      Passive solar designed home
      Thermal mass
    • Active heating cooling:
    • Ceiling fans

    • Active heating cooling:
    • Wall mounted electric convection heaters
    • Water heating:
    • Solar hot water (evacuated tube)
    • Water harvesting and saving features:
    • Above ground rainwater storage
      Drip irrigation
    • Above ground rainwater storage Type:
    • Slimline poly tank
    • Above ground rainwater storage Size
    • 5000L
    • Energy Efficient Lighting
    • Natural daylight
    • Electric Vehicle Type
    • BMW i3
    • Window Protection:
    • Adustable Shading
      Solar pergola
SUSTAINABLE & RECYCLED MATERIALS
    • Sustainable materials:
    • Local Canberra Red recycled bricks were used in portions of the facade
    • Recycled and reused materials:
    • Bricks
INSULATION SPECIFICATIONS
    • Insulation Type:
    • Ceiling
      Internal walls
      External Walls
      Floor
    • Ceiling Type:
    • Bulk - glass wool
    • Ceiling Rating:
    • R5.0
    • Floor Type:
    • Wafflepod
    • Floor Rating:
    • R0.5
    • Internal Walls Insulation Type:
    • Bulk - glass wool
    • Internal Walls Insulation Rating:
    • R1.5
    • External Walls Rating:
    • R2.5
    • External Walls Type:
    • Bulk - glass wool
RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIFICATIONS
    • All-Electric Home?
    • Yes
    • Energy star rating:
    • 7.5 Stars
    • Renewable energy used:
    • Solar PV grid connect
    • Size of PV system:
    • 3.78kW
COSTS AND COST SAVINGS
    • Total cost of home when constructed:
    • $560,000
    • Cost estimate of sustainable home/features:
    • $70,000
    • Estimate of annual savings:
    • $2500
HOUSE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
    • House Size
    • 171m2
    • Roof
    • Metal (Colorbond)
    • Wall Materials
    • Brick veneer
      Lightweight construction (timber frame)
    • Window and Door Types
    • Clerestory windows
      Double glazing
    • Universal Design Features
    • 80cm minimum door opening width
      Hobless showers
      Lever handles for doors (no knobs)
    • Number of bedrooms
    • 3
    • Number of bathrooms
    • 2
GARDEN AND WASTE REDUCTION
    • Garden / Outdoors
    • Drip irrigation
      Native plants
      Water wise plants
HEALTHY HOME FEATURES
    • Healthy home features
    • Airtight house design
      Cross flow ventilation
      Low VOC paints/sealer/varnish
      Natural light and ventilation
Location
O'Connor ACT 2602
    • Housing Type:
    • Standalone House
    • Project Type:
    • New Build
    • Builder
    • 35 Degrees Pty Ltd
    • Designer
    • Jigsaw Housing, now t/a Lighthouse Architecture and Science

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