Exeter Ecoshift Home 2021

House Notes – Exeter Ecoshift Home

This original post-war brick home was the first project for owners Jarrod (Builder) and Anneleise (Building Designer) in their new design and build venture . It has been the perfect pet project for Anneleise, who is studying a PhD on passive retrofitting at the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre, to explore the effectiveness of solar passive design and the benefits of improved insulation and air-tightness measures.

The original dwelling was draughty, cold in winter and stifling in summer. A rear extension was designed with a soaring raked ceiling to the North, double-glazed windows, an insulated thermal mass concrete slab, cross-ventilation, a recycled reverse brick veneer wall, and eaves designed for optimal performance in summer and winter. Bricks from original demolition were reused and low and non-VOC product used throughout. The extension consistently sits above 22 degrees in winter, and is effectively cooled with cross-ventilation in summer without the need for mechanical air conditioning or heating. Free-ranging chickens and native/water-wise plants feature in the back yard.

2021 Update: The original dwelling is currently being upgraded to improve thermal performance and aesthetics. This includes:
* A new light-coloured roof with added insulation
* New double-glazed timber windows
* Battening out of the existing brick, installing a vapour-permeable membrane (to improve moisture control) and light-weight cladding (to reduce overheating caused by the bricks in summer)
* Air-tightness measures to penetrations and openings
* Removing existing horsehair lining to insulate wall cavity
* New front verandah to help cool the house in summer

The project, still under construction and will eventually include a large rain water tank, subfloor insulation to the existing dwelling and efficient bathroom fixtures. The rear deck will feature a solar optimised fixed louvre pergola for outdoor enjoyment all year round.