Eltham Strawbale House 2023

This profile is written and maintained by the homeowner, architect, or builder.

House Notes – Eltham Strawbale House

This strawbale post-and-beam house was lovingly constructed by owner-builders with a passion for energy-efficient housing and renewable energy. Located on an acre in a Melbourne suburb only 29kms from the city. This house offers a new perspective on the earth-buildings that Eltham is famous for.

  • Beautifully cool in summer and warm in winter using only a small reverse cycle AC in winter during solar hours and used only a couple of times in summer
  • Radiant wood heater used rarely
  • Showcases recycled and sustainably-grown Australian timbers
  • Rendered strawbale walls
  • Double-glazed windows built by the owner
  • Polished concrete floor
  • Owner-built timber staircase
  • Passive solar design
  • Return veranda
  • 10,000L water tank
  • 5kW Solar system
  • All electrice appliances including induction stove and heat pump hot-water
  • Classic clay tennis court

The house uses modern, energy-efficient appliances such as an induction cooktop. Although town gas was available they chose not to connect gas to keep the cost of services to a minimum.
Despite 2 Electric cars the electricity bill is less than most households and there is a plan to add more solar to help off-set even further.
Built between 2015 and 2017, it has been occupied since December 2017. It is still a work-in-progress, but it is a comfortable family home.

The house also achieve 6 stars with the Victorian Residential Efficiency Scorecard and with a 5kW Solar array (which was added after the scorecard) would get a 10 star rating. . If you would like to find out more click here.

SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES

Years Open
2018
2023
ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT FEATURES
    • Energy efficiency:
    • Draught proofing
      Efficient lighting
      Efficient appliances
      Energy monitoring
    • Passive heating cooling:
    • Passive solar designed home
      Thermal mass
    • Active heating cooling:
    • Split system airconditioner
    • Water heating:
    • Hot water heat pump
    • Water harvesting and saving features:
    • Rainwater storage - Above ground
    • Above ground rainwater storage Type:
    • Plastic tank
    • Above ground rainwater storage Size
    • 10,000lt
    • Energy Efficient Lighting
    • LED lights throughout
      Natural daylight
    • Electric Vehicle Type
    • Tesla
SUSTAINABLE & RECYCLED MATERIALS
    • Recycled and reused materials:
    • Bathroom cabinets
      Timber
INSULATION SPECIFICATIONS
    • Insulation Type:
    • Under-roof
    • Under Roof Insulation Type:
    • Reflective foil
RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIFICATIONS
    • All-Electric Home?
    • Yes
    • Renewable energy used:
    • Solar PV grid connect
    • Size of PV system:
    • 5kw
COSTS AND COST SAVINGS
    • Total cost of home when constructed:
    • $176,000 (between 2015 and 2017)
HOUSE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
    • House Size
    • 300m2 (220m2 without veranda)
    • BAL Rating
    • BAL – 12.5: Ember attack with heat up to 12.5kW/m2
    • Roof
    • Metal (Colorbond)
    • Wall Materials
    • Strawbale
    • Window and Door Types
    • Double glazing
    • Universal Design Features
    • Contrasting colours and material for vision impaired
      Kitchen bench/table for wheelchairs to access (75-85cm high)
      Lever handles for doors (no knobs)
      Window openings easily accessible
    • Number of bedrooms
    • 4
    • Number of bathrooms
    • 2
GARDEN AND WASTE REDUCTION
    • Garden / Outdoors
    • Native plants
    • Waste Reduction Practices:
    • Compost all food scraps
      Recycle
      Repair
HEALTHY HOME FEATURES
    • Healthy home features
    • Airtight house design
      Indoor plants for air filtration
      Lime render/wash
Location
Eltham VIC 3095
    • Housing Type:
    • Standalone House
    • Project Type:
    • New Build
    • Open with support of
    • Clean Energy Nillumbik
    • Builder
    • Matthew Lyons (owner)
    • Designer
    • Owner

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