» Mike’s House

Mike’s House

A rammed earth, double glazed fully insulated home that is off grid in southern Tasmania. The house is self sufficient. It charges an electric car and electric all terrain vehicle. We use electric BBQ, have electric heat pump space heater, an induction plug in hot plate for cooking electric chainsaw and outdoor garden tools. We also run a large electric kiln for ceramics. The property has a back up LPG generator, but since installing extra solar panels 18 months ago, the generator has not been needed. In winter a wood fire heater will supplement the heat pump. Hot water is from a tube hot water rooftop solar heater, supplemented by LPG if needed.

Sustainability Features

ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT FEATURES

- Energy efficiency:
- Draught proofing
  Efficient lighting
  Efficient appliances
  Energy monitoring
- Passive heating cooling:
- Cross ventilation
  Thermal mass
- Active heating cooling:
- Heat pump
  Hydronic
- Water heating:
- Solar hot water (evacuated tube)
- Water harvesting and saving features:
- Rainwater storage - Above ground
  Rainwater storage - Underground
  Blackwater system
  Grey water system
  Stormwater management
  Low flow shower heads
  Low flow taps
- Average water consumption per day:
- 200 litres
- Underground rainwater storage type:
- Concrete tank
- Underground rainwater storage Size:
- 90,000 litres
- Above ground rainwater storage Type:
- Stainless Steel tank
- Above ground rainwater storage Size
- 19,500 litres
- Energy Efficient Lighting
- LED lights throughout
  Natural daylight
  Skylight
- Electric Vehicle Type
- Tesla Model 3
- Window Protection:
- Eaves

SUSTAINABLE & RECYCLED MATERIALS

- Sustainable materials:
- Locally source earth for rammed earth. Local timbers used in timber panels.

INSULATION SPECIFICATIONS

- Insulation Type:
- Under-roof
  Ceiling
  External walls
  Floor
- Ceiling Type:
- Bulk – glass wool
- Ceiling Rating:
- 4
- Floor Type:
- Bulk - polystyrene board
- Under Roof Insulation Type:
- Reflective foil
- External Walls Rating:
- 4
- External Walls Type:
- Insulated panel system

RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIFICATIONS

- All-Electric Home?
- No
- Renewable energy used:
- Energy storage/battery
  Solar PV off-grid
- Size of PV system:
- 16
- Average Daily Energy Consumption:
- Off grid. No external electricity required. Limited LPG usage.

COSTS AND COST SAVINGS

- Cost estimate of sustainable home/features:
- 1.5 million
- Estimate of annual savings:
- $7,700.00

HOUSE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

- House Size
- 220 m2
- BAL Rating
- BAL – 19: Increasing levels of ember attack and ignition of debris with a heat flux of up to 19kW/m2
- Roof
- Metal (Zincalume)
- Wall Materials
- Rammed earth
- Window and Door Types
- Bi Fold
  Clerestory windows
  Double glazing
  Skylights
  Sliding windows/doors
- Number of bedrooms
- 2
- Number of bathrooms
- 3

GARDEN AND WASTE REDUCTION

- Garden / Outdoors
- Bee hotels/friendly
  Bird-nesting boxes
  Composting
  Drip irrigation
  Edible garden
  Frog friendly
  Local indigenous plants
  Native plants
  Wicking beds
- Waste Reduction Practices:
- Compost all food scraps
  Make jams/conserves
  Recycle
  Repair
  Take own containers to the supermarket and for take away food
  Swap with friends and neighbours

HEALTHY HOME FEATURES

- Healthy home features
- Carpet free - tiles/concrete/timber flooring throughout
  Chemical free cleaning products used
  Cross flow ventilation
  Natural light and ventilation

Mike’s House 2024

This house is not opening in person, but you can explore the profile and ask the homeowner a question below.

Mike’s House

Sustainability Features

View the house tour

Ask questions about this house