Quindalup Small House 2017

House Notes – Quindalup Small House

The Quindalup small house has been developed as a reaction to Australia’s fixation on building big for the sake of it. We currently build bigger houses than America, which are energy intensive to construct, heat, cool and maintain. The Quindalup small house has been designed to suit the needs of the residents, and is a demonstration of infill development which maintains social and environmental integrity.

The house has been built on a small site, with an emphasis on solar passive design. A 3.5m northern setback allows for winter sun penetration into the living area to heat thermal mass of concrete slab, while well designed eaves, pergola and green wall provide shading in summer. A large glazed opening to the north provides easy access to an outdoor area and gives a sense of spaciousness.

Mature peppermint trees have been retained on the site, with naitive planting forming a key part of the landscaping to provide habitat for the endangered Western Ringtail Possum. The design has utilised water sensitive design elements such as rain water storage and reuse (plumbed to toilet and washing machine), rain gardens and a wicking bed for food production.

The smaller footprint has led to adaptive design approaches – the second bedroom has been designed for changing needs and suits a queen size bed or two singles. Less storage space has promoted behavioural change in the occupants, questioning consumption and limiting items to those essential for the dwelling.