Maureen and Trevor’s House 2024

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

Years Open
2019
2020
2024
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
Location
St Andrews VIC 3761
    • Housing Type:
    • Standalone House
    • Project Type:
    • New Build
    • Open with support of
    • Clean Energy Nillumbik
    • Builder
    • Owner builder
    • Designer
    • Trevor Weichmann & Associates Pty Ltd

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