Surrey Hills House 2018

House Notes – Surrey Hills House

After renovating several houses, we thought it was time to do a final project to suit our retirement years and save money where possible.

To reduce running costs, the long side of the house, which is also the main living area, faces north to make the most of the winter sunshine.

We have installed a retractable louvered roof system over the al fresco area, which also helps to regulate the inside temperature.

To assist temperature control, ceiling fans have been installed in every room. All windows and external doors are double-glazed composite, aluminium externally to reduce maintenance and timber internally for the added insulation.

The whole house is on one level. The slab is insulated concrete, polished for easy care. The living room wall is natural stone. Both these features assist to retain winter warmth. So far, the internal temperature over winter has not dropped below 17 degrees Celsius.

Heating is gas hydronic panels, which we only use every day or two for a few hours (if needed). Mechanical cooling is not required due to the electrically operated clerestory windows and ceiling fans.

Other sustainable features of the house include 20,000L in-ground water tanks, 5kW solar system with battery storage; hot water is a heat pump system, heat recovery ventilation system.

The design has a self-contained apartment under the same roofline, which can be separated from the rest of the house.

Additional features are: wheelchair-friendly, no steps, wide doorways; self-cleaning guttering, no external painting required.

The house also achieved 10 stars with the Victorian Residential Efficiency Scorecard. If you would like to find out more click here.

Sustainability Features

Years Open
2017
2018
ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT FEATURES
    • Energy efficiency:
    • Draught proofing
      Efficient lighting
      Efficient appliances
      Energy monitoring
    • Passive heating cooling:
    • Cooling tower
      Passive solar designed home
      Shading
      Thermal chimney
      Thermal mass
    • Active heating cooling:
    • Ceiling fans
      Hydronic
    • Water heating:
    • Hot water heat pump
    • Water harvesting and saving features:
    • Underground rainwater storage
      Hot water recirculation
    • Average water consumption per day:
    • .5kL
    • Underground rainwater storage type:
    • Graf tanks
    • Underground rainwater storage Size:
    • 20,000L
    • Energy Efficient Lighting
    • LED lights throughout
      Natural daylight
    • Window Protection:
    • Automation/controls
      Blinds
      Honeycomb blinds
INSULATION SPECIFICATIONS
    • Insulation Type:
    • Under-roof
      Ceiling
      Internal walls
      External walls
      Floor
    • Ceiling Type:
    • Bulk – glass wool
    • Ceiling Rating:
    • R2.5
    • Floor Type:
    • Bulk – polystyrene board
    • Internal / External Walls Type:
    • Plaster
    • Under Roof Insulation Rating:
    • R4.1
    • Internal Walls Insulation Type:
    • Bulk – glass wool
RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIFICATIONS
    • All-Electric Home?
    • No
    • Energy star rating:
    • 8.4 Stars
    • Renewable energy used:
    • Energy storage/battery
COSTS AND COST SAVINGS
    • Cost estimate of sustainable home/features:
    • N/A
HOUSE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
    • House Size
    • 316m2
    • BAL Rating
    • BAL – Low: There is insufficient risk to warrant specific construction requirements
    • Wall Materials
    • Lightweight construction (timber frame)

    • Wall Materials
    • Concrete-filled polysterene block (Eco-Block) – external
    • Window and Door Types
    • Clerestory windows
      Double glazing
      Sliding windows/doors
    • Universal design accessability
    • Disability access
      Multi-generational
      Wheelchair access
    • Universal Design Features
    • 100cm minimum door opening width
      Flush thresholds (no lip) to all external doors
      Hobless showers
      Lever handles for doors (no knobs)
      No stairs/steps
      Power points at 60cm above floor level and 50cm from internal corners
      Space around toilets for ease of access in wheelchairs
      Tapware to be easily accessed from outside the shower
    • Number of bedrooms
    • 3
    • Number of bathrooms
    • 3
GARDEN AND WASTE REDUCTION
    • Garden / Outdoors
    • Composting
      Water wise plants
    • Waste Reduction Practices:
    • Compost all food scraps
      Recycle
HEALTHY HOME FEATURES
    • Healthy home features
    • Airtight house design
      Heat recovery ventilation (HRV)
Location
Surrey Hills VIC 3127
    • Housing Type:
    • Standalone House
    • Project Type:
    • New Build
    • Builder
    • Owner

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