Research Renovation 2024

Research Renovation

Our home is situated on 6 acres of steep woodland in Melbourne’s north-east. A major renovation of the 1970s house was completed in 2019, involving alterations to the existing single story dwelling, together with the construction of second story additions. The property is in a bushfire zone and is off the water, sewer and gas grid. These traits heavily influenced the renovations which incorporate BAL40 building standards, >100 kL of rainwater storage, worm farm wastewater treatment, 9.9 kW of solar PV and significant rehabilitation of the woodland.

The steep block and alignment of the existing dwelling presented significant challenges to achieving a high level of thermal and electrical efficiency. This was further compounded by the wide and distant views to the south-east. Working with these constraints the renovation achieved a 6.3 star energy rating and a house that is vastly more comfortable, liveable and efficient than the original dwelling.

This house achieved a NatHERS rating of 6.3 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
2020
2021
2023
2024
ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT FEATURES
    • Energy efficiency:
    • Draught proofing
      Efficient lighting
      Efficient appliances
      Energy monitoring
    • Passive heating cooling:
    • Cross ventilation
      Shading
      Thermal chimney
      Thermal mass
    • Active heating cooling:
    • Ceiling fans
      Heat pump
      Split system airconditioner
    • Water heating:
    • Hot water heat pump
    • Water harvesting and saving features:
    • Rainwater storage - Above ground
      Worm farm septic tank system
      Low flow shower heads
      Low flow taps
      Hot water recirculation
      Drip irrigation
    • Average water consumption per day:
    • ~300L total (~60L per person)
    • Above ground rainwater storage Type:
    • Steel tank
    • Above ground rainwater storage Size
    • 100,000L
    • Energy Efficient Lighting
    • LED lights throughout
      Natural daylight
    • Window Protection:
    • Eaves
      Honeycomb blinds
SUSTAINABLE & RECYCLED MATERIALS
    • Recycled and reused materials:
    • Bricks
      Light fixtures / fittings
      Paving
      Rocks/stone
      Sleepers
INSULATION SPECIFICATIONS
    • Insulation Type:
    • Under-roof
      Ceiling
      Internal walls
      External walls
      Floor
    • Ceiling Type:
    • Bulk – glass wool
    • Ceiling Rating:
    • R4.0
    • Floor Type:
    • Bulk - polyester
    • Floor Rating:
    • R2.5
    • Under Roof Insulation Type:
    • Reflective foil
    • Under Roof Insulation Rating:
    • R1.5
    • Internal Walls Insulation Type:
    • Bulk – glass wool
    • Internal Walls Insulation Rating:
    • R2.5
    • External Walls Rating:
    • R2.5
    • External Walls Type:
    • Bulk – glass wool
RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIFICATIONS
    • All-Electric Home?
    • Yes
    • Renewable energy used:
    • Solar PV grid connect
    • Size of PV system:
    • 9.9kW
    • Average Daily Energy Consumption:
    • 26 kWh total (5.2 kWh per person per day)
HOUSE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
    • House Size
    • 290m2
    • BAL Rating
    • BAL – 40: Increasing levels of ember attack and ignition of debris with a heat flux of up to 40kW/m2
    • Roof
    • Metal (Colorbond)
    • Wall Materials
    • Double brick
      Lightweight construction (timber frame)
      Metal (Colorbond)

    • Wall Materials
    • Stria fibre cement cladding
    • Window and Door Types
    • Awning
      Double glazing
      Low-e, films
      Sliding windows/doors
    • Number of bedrooms
    • 4
    • Number of bathrooms
    • 4
GARDEN AND WASTE REDUCTION
    • Garden / Outdoors
    • Composting
      Drip irrigation
      Edible garden
      Frog friendly
      Local indigenous plants
      Native plants
      Water wise plants
      Worm farm
    • Waste Reduction Practices:
    • Compost all food scraps
      Recycle
HEALTHY HOME FEATURES
    • Healthy home features
    • Cross flow ventilation
      Natural light and ventilation
Location
Research VIC 3095
    • Housing Type:
    • Standalone House
    • Project Type:
    • Renovation
    • Open with support of
    • Clean Energy Nillumbik
    • Builder
    • Transform Homes
    • Designer
    • Neil J Blyth Architect P/L

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