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Ram Rock House 2020

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Ram Rock House

House Notes – Ram Rock House

The goal was to create a self-sustainable house that did not compromise on modern comforts or conveniences. Anyone visiting our home would not be aware that it is self-sustainable unless told. Completely off grid; electricity is from solar, rainwater is collected from the roof and sewage is treated using a worm septic system.

The house is made using Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) with double glazed windows and doors throughout.

Cross flow ventilation is used for quick transfer of air. Oriented with main windows to the north and eaves set to allow passive heating from the sun in winter.

Heating is provided by a hydronic heated slab using a combustion boiler to provide the heat. Cooling wasn’t required during the house’s first summer (last summer); however it is planned for an air conditioner to be installed to make use of the excess power generated. The electrical system has been sized for winter and currently has 30kW of solar panels on the roof, a conservative 50kWh LiFePO4 battery and provides up to 45kW of 3 phase electricity.

This house is all electric, the off grid system provides power to all our appliances and includes charging our primary vehicle (Tesla EV).

During construction the house was built using solar electricity and the temporary system used for this is available for viewing as well.

Tesla S100D EV on display for Sustainable House Day 2020.

Sustainability Features

Years Open
2019
2020
ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT FEATURES
    • Energy efficiency:
    • Draught proofing
      Efficient lighting
      Efficient appliances
      Energy monitoring
    • Passive heating cooling:
    • Cross ventilation
      Passive solar designed home
      Thermal mass
    • Active heating cooling:
    • Hydronic
    • Water heating:
    • Water heated by PV system
      Wood fire wetback
    • Water harvesting and saving features:
    • Rainwater storage - Above ground
      Blackwater system
      Worm farm septic tank system
      Low flow shower heads
      Low flow taps
    • Average water consumption per day:
    • 200L
    • Above ground rainwater storage Type:
    • Bushfire rated. Double skin steel with underground fittings.
    • Above ground rainwater storage Size
    • 100,000 litres
    • Energy Efficient Lighting
    • LED lights throughout
      Natural daylight
    • Electric Vehicle Type
    • Tesla S100D
    • Window Protection:
    • Eaves

    • Window Protection:
    • Eaves set to allow sun into the house during winter.
SUSTAINABLE & RECYCLED MATERIALS
    • Sustainable materials:
    • Solar energy was used to provide power for the construction of the house.
INSULATION SPECIFICATIONS
    • Insulation Type:
    • Under-roof
      Ceiling
      Internal walls
      External walls
    • Ceiling Type:
    • Bulk – cellulose fibre
    • Ceiling Rating:
    • R4.0
    • Under Roof Insulation Type:
    • Blanket - reflective foil sandwiching insulation material.
    • Under Roof Insulation Rating:
    • R0.5
    • Internal Walls Insulation Type:
    • Bulk – cellulose fibre
    • Internal Walls Insulation Rating:
    • R2.5
    • External Walls Rating:
    • R6.0
    • External Walls Type:
    • Insulated Concrete Form
RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIFICATIONS
    • All-Electric Home?
    • Yes
    • Renewable energy used:
    • Energy storage/battery
      Solar PV off-grid
    • Size of PV system:
    • 30kW
    • Average Daily Energy Consumption:
    • 15kWh
COSTS AND COST SAVINGS
    • Total cost of home when constructed:
    • $500,000
    • Cost estimate of sustainable home/features:
    • $100,000
    • Estimate of annual savings:
    • $6,000
HOUSE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
    • House Size
    • 260m2
    • BAL Rating
    • BAL – 12.5: Ember attack with heat up to 12.5kW/m2
    • Roof
    • Metal (Colorbond)
    • Wall Materials
    • Insulated panels or blocks
    • Window and Door Types
    • Clerestory windows
      Double glazing
      Tilt and turn
    • Universal Design Features
    • 80cm minimum door opening width
      Hobless showers
      Lever handles for doors (no knobs)
      Minimum 110cm wide hallways
      Shower head on rail for various heights
      Window openings easily accessible
    • Number of bedrooms
    • 3
    • Number of bathrooms
    • 3
GARDEN AND WASTE REDUCTION
    • Garden / Outdoors
    • Bee keeping
      Chickens
      Composting
      Local indigenous plants
      Native plants
      Worm farm
    • Waste Reduction Practices:
    • Compost all food scraps
      Recycle
HEALTHY HOME FEATURES
    • Healthy home features
    • Carpet free - tiles/concrete/timber flooring throughout
      Cross flow ventilation
      Natural light and ventilation
Location
Benloch VIC 3435
    • Housing Type:
    • Standalone House
    • Project Type:
    • New Build
    • Builder
    • Werx Construction and self
    • Designer
    • Owner

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