» Maureen and Trevor’s House

Maureen and Trevor’s House

Our house started to take shape about 6 years ago, it is still a work in progress, although 99% completed.

Designed using passive solar principles to maximise thermal mass and cooling breezes. Constructed on a concrete slab with highly insulated timber framed corrugated iron clad walls and a corrugated iron roof. Particular attention has been paid to wall and ceiling insulation, double glazing, energy efficient lighting and the sealing of gaps/cracks.

All habitable rooms have a northerly aspect. Hot water is heated by a close coupled, roof mounted system and the house is heated by a radiant solid fuel heater in conjunction with ceiling fans. We are still in the process of debating whether to install a photovoltaic system.

This house achieved a NatHERS rating of 6.4 stars using NatHERS accredited software.

Find out how the star ratings work on the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) website.

This home is part of a Community Partner event supported by

This house is hosted by Clean Energy Nillumbik and Nillumbik Shire Council.

Sustainability Features

ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT FEATURES

- Energy efficiency:
- Draught proofing
  Efficient lighting
  Efficient appliances
- Passive heating cooling:
- Cross ventilation
  Passive solar designed home
  Shading
- Active heating cooling:
- Ceiling fans
- Active heating cooling:
- Radiant solid fuel heater in conjunction with ceiling fans
- Water heating:
- Solar hot water (evacuated tube)
- Water harvesting and saving features:
- Blackwater system
  Stormwater management
  Low flow shower heads
- Energy Efficient Lighting
- LED lights throughout
  Natural daylight
- Window Protection:
- Blinds
  Deciduous tree/vegetation
- Window Protection:
- Fixed eaves

INSULATION SPECIFICATIONS

- Insulation Type:
- Under-roof
  Ceiling
  External walls
- Ceiling Type:
- Bulk – polyester
- Ceiling Rating:
- R4.0
- Under Roof Insulation Type:
- Bulk – polystyrene board
- Under Roof Insulation Rating:
- R4.0
- External Walls Rating:
- R2.5
- External Walls Type:
- Bulk – glass wool

RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIFICATIONS

- All-Electric Home?
- No
- Average Daily Energy Consumption:
- 120.9MJ/m

COSTS AND COST SAVINGS

- Total cost of home when constructed:
- $220,000 in 2017
- Estimate of annual savings:
- $5000

HOUSE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

- House Size
- 150m2
- BAL Rating
- BAL – 19: Increasing levels of ember attack and ignition of debris with a heat flux of up to 19kW/m2
- Roof
- Metal (Colorbond)
- Wall Materials
- Lightweight construction (timber frame)
- Window and Door Types
- Louvre windows
- Universal design accessability
- Adaptive design
- Universal Design Features
- 80cm minimum door opening width
  Hobless showers
  Semi recessed basins
  Space around toilets for ease of access in wheelchairs
- Number of bedrooms
- 3
- Number of bathrooms
- 2

GARDEN AND WASTE REDUCTION

- Garden / Outdoors
- Composting
  Edible garden
  Local indigenous plants
  Organic
- Waste Reduction Practices:
- Compost all food scraps
  Pickle and preserve food
  Recycle
  Repair
  Swap with friends and neighbours

HEALTHY HOME FEATURES

- Healthy home features
- Airtight house design
  Cross flow ventilation
  Natural light and ventilation

Maureen and Trevor’s House 2024

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Maureen and Trevor’s House

Sustainability Features

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