Research Renovation
This profile is written and maintained by the homeowner, architect, or builder.
House Notes – 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.
You can book into your this house on Sunday 19 March 2023, as part of The Nillumbik Trail. Register here to participate.
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.
SUSTAINABILITY 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
- Recycled and reused materials:
- Bricks
Light fixtures / fittings
Paving
Rocks/stone
Sleepers
- 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
- 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 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 / 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
- Cross flow ventilation
Natural light and ventilation
- Housing Type:
- Standalone House
- Project Type:
- Renovation
- Open with support of
- Clean Energy Nillumbik
- Builder
- Transform Homes
- Designer
- Neil J Blyth Architect P/L
Ask questions about this house
Load More Comments