Peter Dann’s House 2015

Peter Dann’s House

Peter is an architect specialising in sustainable and innovative design. The object of this project was to; renovate and modify a Victorian terrace for a carbon constrained future, optimise utilisation of materials and space on a very small site, demonstrate a variety of sustainable technologies and principles and to provide a flexible dwelling suitable for various occupancy arrangements.

In renovating this house the original footprint was retained. The interior was modified to relocate access to the side lane, provide an ensuite to the front bedroom, and convert the second bedroom to a kitchen/meals – thus allowing the remainder to be a living room opening to a north-facing courtyard.

A new addition was constructed at first floor level, comprising a bedroom, ensuite, study and deck, with views to the city skyline. The addition continues and enhances the rhythm of two storey ‘stables’ buildings along the side lane, the deck serving to provide separation from the hipped roof form, delineating new from old.

Materials from demolition were reused, given away or sold on ebay. Framing and cladding materials are either plantation, or recycled product: the first floor cladding is made from waste sawdust.

Rainwater is harvested from all roofs and stored for garden and cistern use.

A 1kw pv array is installed on the upper roof, together with a close coupled solar hws. Heating is by solar preheated, gas hydronic. Lighting is by LEDs or CFL’s with a total of 200w installed.

The living area is oriented north for solar gain in winter, the first floor overhang providing shading in summer. The polished concrete slab provides thermal mass.

The courtyard garden has a raised garden bed and fruit trees.

For more information please see CPPD Architects.