Backyard Retirement 2021

House Notes – Backyard Retirement

This is a fantastic secondary residence in a family collective built for one family member’s retirement. It is north facing which makes the most of passive solar design principles and focused on economy of build and energy efficiency. It is now three years since it was finished and the thoughtful design has delivered well above expectations. This is a proven alternative to apartment or retirement villa living with a NatHERs 8 star energy rating.

The layout is flexible for large family gatherings as well as very comfortable for single person living. The transition to older age was factored in with consideration given to potential future disability/ageing in place. A good example of downsizing whilst staying on your own block – keep your inner city location and live in a comfortable sustainable home that is very economical to build and run.

Energy costs of this home are low with grid connected PV system and solar hot water system, energy efficient appliances and passive solar design principles. Highly insulated walls, ceiling and floor keep this home warm in winter and cool in summer. Rain water is collected and used on the water wise garden. Recycled concrete was used in “urbanite” retaining walls for the natural swimming pond which was finished this year. The “green eave” has flourished and worked perfectly this summer to reduce the internal temperature.

Design included consideration of this being a forever home. A robust home that does not need continual cleaning to look good, it is a pleasure to live in and has enhanced the owners retirement. All the features are transferable to any size home.

This house achieved a NatHERS rating of 8.0 stars using NatHERS accredited software.

Find out how the star ratings work on the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) website.

Sustainability Features

Years Open
2020
2021
ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT FEATURES
    • Energy efficiency:
    • Draught proofing
      Efficient lighting
      Efficient appliances
    • Passive heating cooling:
    • Cross ventilation
      Deciduous planting around house
      Passive solar designed home
      Shading
      Thermal mass
    • Active heating cooling:
    • Ceiling fans
      Split system airconditioner
    • Water heating:
    • Solar hot water (flat panel)
    • Water harvesting and saving features:
    • Rainwater storage - Above ground
      Stormwater management
    • Above ground rainwater storage Type:
    • poly tank
    • Above ground rainwater storage Size
    • 5,000L
    • Energy Efficient Lighting
    • LED lights throughout
      Natural daylight
    • Window Protection:
    • Deciduous tree/vegetation

    • Window Protection:
    • Deciduous green eave
SUSTAINABLE & RECYCLED MATERIALS
    • Recycled and reused materials:
    • Spa as natural swimming pond
    • Sustainable materials:
    • Recycled Canberra Red bricks used in walls exposed to winter sun as a heat sink. Concrete recycled from replaced driveway used on site as urbanite retaining walls. Pavers recycled. Recycled spa body as swim zone of natural swimming pond. Green eave of ornamental grape.
    • Recycled and reused materials:
    • Bricks
      Concrete
      Excavated earth
      Paving

INSULATION SPECIFICATIONS
    • Insulation Type:
    • Under-roof
      Ceiling
      Internal walls
      External walls
      Floor
    • Ceiling Type:
    • Bulk – glass wool
    • Ceiling Rating:
    • R6.0
    • Floor Type:
    • Wafflepod
    • Under Roof Insulation Type:
    • Reflective foil
    • Under Roof Insulation Rating:
    • R2.0
    • Internal Walls Insulation Type:
    • Bulk – glass wool
    • Internal Walls Insulation Rating:
    • R2.5
    • External Walls Rating:
    • R2.5
    • External Walls Type:
    • Bulk – polystyrene board
RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIFICATIONS
    • All-Electric Home?
    • Yes
    • Energy star rating:
    • 8 stars (2019)
    • Renewable energy used:
    • Solar PV grid connect
    • Size of PV system:
    • 5kW
COSTS AND COST SAVINGS
    • Total cost of home when constructed:
    • $250,000
    • Estimate of annual savings:
    • $3,000
HOUSE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
    • House Size
    • 90m2
    • BAL Rating
    • No BAL rating requirements at time of construction
    • Roof
    • Metal (Colorbond)
    • Wall Materials
    • Lightweight construction (timber frame)
    • Window and Door Types
    • Awning
      Double glazing
    • Universal design accessability
    • Adaptive design
      Universal access
      Wheelchair accessible
    • Universal Design Features
    • 80cm minimum door opening width
      Flush thresholds (no lip) to all external doors
      Hobless showers
      Lever handles for doors (no knobs)
      Minimum 110cm wide hallways
      No stairs/steps
      No Corner cupboards
      Ramps and path gradients must be less than 20:1
      Pocket doors so that cabinet doors are out of the way
      Shower head on rail for various heights
      Space around toilets for ease of access in wheelchairs
      Strong fittings like towel rails that can be used as hand rails
      Tapware to be easily accessed from outside the shower
      Window openings easily accessible
    • Number of bedrooms
    • 2
    • Number of bathrooms
    • 1
GARDEN AND WASTE REDUCTION
    • Garden / Outdoors
    • Bee hotels/friendly
      Composting
      Edible garden
      Frog friendly
      Natural swimming pool
      Wicking beds
      Worm farm
    • Waste Reduction Practices:
    • Compost all food scraps
      Recycle
      Repair
      Swap with friends and neighbours
HEALTHY HOME FEATURES
    • Healthy home features
    • Airtight house design
      Carpet free - tiles/concrete/timber flooring throughout
      Chemical free cleaning products used
      Cross flow ventilation
      Indoor plants for air filtration
      Low VOC paints/sealer/varnish
      Natural light and ventilation
Location
Macquarie ACT 2614
    • Housing Type:
    • Granny Flat
    • Project Type:
    • New Build
    • Designer
    • Owner designed

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