Hawks Nest House 2023

House Notes – Hawks Nest House

It has been a long term goal to build a sustainable home. After having lived in a number of different homes, both here and overseas, we were very aware of the importance of orienting a house correctly to take advantage of the sun and prevailing winds. The opportunity came to build a new home for our retirement years on an existing block. We wanted a simple yet comfortable home with minimal running costs, that made the most of the environment. The home features sustainable materials, passive solar orientation, solar power, a heat pump water heater and high grade insulation. A large north facing deck, with retractable awnings enables a great indoor/outdoor flow. It has performed extremely well in its first year, minimal heating is required in winter and ceiling fans (and coastal breezes) are sufficient for summer cooling.
We are delighted by our power bills (which are currently in credit). Our large open living area is ideal for living just as a couple, or when we have our extended family with us during holiday periods. We also love entertaining and have many friends come and stay. We have had parties where over 40-50 people fitted comfortably.

Sustainability Features

Years Open
2023
ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT FEATURES
    • Energy efficiency:
    • Efficient appliances
      Energy monitoring
    • Passive heating cooling:
    • Cross ventilation
      Passive solar designed home
    • Active heating cooling:
    • Ceiling fans
    • Water heating:
    • Hot water heat pump
    • Water harvesting and saving features:
    • Rainwater storage - Above ground
      Stormwater management
      Low flow shower heads
    • Average water consumption per day:
    • 300l
    • Above ground rainwater storage Type:
    • Plastic tank
    • Above ground rainwater storage Size
    • 23,000L
    • Energy Efficient Lighting
    • LED lights throughout
      Natural daylight
    • Window Protection:
    • Automation/controls
      Awnings (external)
      Blinds
INSULATION SPECIFICATIONS
    • Insulation Type:
    • Under-roof
      Internal walls
      External walls
      Floor
    • Floor Type:
    • Bulk - polyester
    • Floor Rating:
    • 2.5
    • Under Roof Insulation Type:
    • Insulated panels
    • Under Roof Insulation Rating:
    • R6
    • Internal Walls Insulation Type:
    • Bulk Mineral Fibre
    • Internal Walls Insulation Rating:
    • R2.5
    • External Walls Rating:
    • 2.5
    • External Walls Type:
    • Bulk – polyester
RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIFICATIONS
    • All-Electric Home?
    • Yes
    • Renewable energy used:
    • Solar PV grid connect
    • Size of PV system:
    • 9.36kW
    • Average Daily Energy Consumption:
    • 2.8
COSTS AND COST SAVINGS
    • Total cost of home when constructed:
    • approx $900k
    • Cost estimate of sustainable home/features:
    • $100-300k
    • Estimate of annual savings:
    • $2000 - $6000
HOUSE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
    • House Size
    • 190 m2
    • BAL Rating
    • BAL – 12.5: Ember attack with heat up to 12.5kW/m2
    • Roof
    • Metal (Colorbond)
    • Wall Materials
    • Timber
    • Window and Door Types
    • Awning
      Double glazing
      Low-e, films
      Stacking windows/doors
      180 degree opening doors
    • Universal design accessability
    • Universal access
    • 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
      Shower head on rail for various heights
      Tapware to be easily accessed from outside the shower
      Washing machine/dryer on plynth for easy access
      Window openings easily accessible
    • Number of bedrooms
    • 4
    • Number of bathrooms
    • 2
GARDEN AND WASTE REDUCTION
    • Garden / Outdoors
    • Composting
      Drip irrigation
      Edible garden
      Local indigenous plants
      Orchard
      Organic
      Permaculture
      Native plants
      Worm farm
    • Waste Reduction Practices:
    • Compost all food scraps
      Recycle
      Repair
HEALTHY HOME FEATURES
    • Healthy home features
    • Cabinet design to minimise dust collection
      Chemical free cleaning products used
      Cross flow ventilation
      Formaldehyde free cabinets
      Indoor plants for air filtration
      Low VOC paints/sealer/varnish
      Natural light and ventilation
      VOC free paints/sealer/varnish
Location
HAWKS NEST NSW 2324
    • Housing Type:
    • Standalone House
    • Project Type:
    • New Build
    • Builder
    • J & A Howarth Constructions
    • Designer
    • Envirotecture

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