Cape Tribulation Tropical Research Station
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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
- 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
- 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 Type:
- Ceiling
- Ceiling Type:
- Sisalation and Thermal Blanket
- Other Insulation Methods:
- Labs only - steel/polystyrene composite panels
- All-Electric Home?
- No
- Renewable energy used:
- Solar PV off-grid
- Size of PV system:
- 6kW
- Average Daily Energy Consumption:
- 3kWh
- 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 / Outdoors
- Chickens
Composting
Drip irrigation
Edible garden
Permaculture
Native plants
- Waste Reduction Practices:
- Compost all food scraps
Recycle
Repair
- Healthy home features
- Airtight house design
Cabinet design to minimise dust collection
- Healthy Home
- High efficiency dehumidification, humidity conserving exchange technology
- 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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