Tim and Kerri’s Grapetree home 2016

Tim and Kerri’s Grapetree home

As builders of custom designed homes, we have built several energy efficient homes for clients over the years. However, this home, situated on a rural property at Grapetree, was built as our own residence. Our aim was to construct a ‘long-term’ home which was energy efficient, provided high levels of year round comfort and required low ongoing maintenance. A cohesive relationship with the setting by maximising stunning views was also paramount. Six years on, we are happy to say that our home has well and truly met the brief. Its success can largely be attributed to extensive initial planning and a thorough understanding of the site and climatic conditions on the escarpment, all of which resulted in a carefully considered floor plan.

The home is oriented on an east-west axis. High ceilings and large expanses of glass to the northern aspect flood the home with natural light, while a covered deck to the east offers protection from early morning summer sun. Much thought was given to not only the position of windows and doors to the home, but also the type of windows and glazing to be installed. Double hungs, hoppers, clerestory windows and sliding doors ensure excellent cross-flow ventilation and offer flexibility in controlling this. Both double glazing and low-E glass have been utilised. The home’s slab on ground construction, use of Hebel power panels and high levels of insulation aid in temperature regulation.

Incorporating some recycled materials was important to us. We achieved this by repurposing timber for all external posts; repurposing an antique wardrobe for all vanities; installing a claw foot bath tub; fitting antique leadlight window panels and repurposing a timber mantle and surround.

All fixtures in our home are connected to rainwater storage, and running on solar power, with excess feeding to the grid, delivers year round cost savings. Farming our own beef cattle, having chickens for fresh eggs and growing herbs and produce all contribute to the lifestyle we feel blessed to have.