The Pig Pen
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The Pig Pen
The Pig Pen is a simple, custom-designed and -built eco-studio on the beautiful NSW South Coast. I am delighted to have been able to build this comfortable, beautiful and small home in such a gorgeous natural location between the bush and the sea.
I have been involved in sustainable initiatives and projects for many years now (green business, permaculture, community gardens, local food production), and was also motivated by the gift of a fabulous grand piano that requires a stable home environment – what’s good for the piano, is good for me!
I have endeavoured to create a home that has minimal ongoing impact on the environment, and uses resources in closed cycles on my block of land. With a composting toilet, rainwater tanks, greywater system, solar PV, modest living practices and efficient appliances the biggest ongoing spend will be my council rates, insurance and electricity supply charge. I love it!
Built with the support of Bingie Builders.
Sustainability Features
- Energy efficiency:
- Draught proofing
Efficient lighting
Efficient appliances
- Passive heating cooling:
- Cross-ventilation
Passive solar designed home
Shading
Thermal mass
- Active heating cooling:
- Ceiling fans
- Water heating:
- Hot water heat pump
- Water harvesting and saving features:
- Above-ground rainwater storage
Blackwater system
Greywater system
Low-flow shower heads
Low-flow taps
Drip irrigation
- Above ground rainwater storage Type:
- 2 x corrugated iron tanks
- Above ground rainwater storage Size
- 42,000L
- Energy Efficient Lighting
- LED lights throughout
Natural daylight
- Window Protection:
- Blinds
Deciduous tree/vegetation
Drapes/curtains
- Sustainable materials:
- Native plants were rescued on-site prior to building, and sustainable and native timbers have been used for the house framing and decking. Impervious surfaces have been avoided to maximise rainwater retention on-site (there are no concrete paths or driveway, only river pebbles). Wicking beds have been installed on the deck for kitchen gardening.
- Insulation Type:
- Under-roof
Internal walls
External walls
- Under Roof Insulation Type:
- Reflective foil
- Under Roof Insulation Rating:
- R4.0
- Internal Walls Insulation Type:
- Bulk – glass wool
- Internal Walls Insulation Rating:
- R2.0
- External Walls Rating:
- R2.0
- External Walls Type:
- Bulk – glass wool
- All-Electric Home?
- Yes
- Energy star rating:
- Water – 72, thermal comfort – pass, energy – 51
- Renewable energy used:
- Solar PV grid-connected
- Size of PV system:
- 1.6kW
- Total cost of home when constructed:
- $265,000
- Cost estimate of sustainable home/features:
- $50,000
- Estimate of annual savings:
- $1200
- House Size
- 128m2 inc. deck and garage
- 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
- Concrete blocks
Lightweight construction (timber frame)
- Window and Door Types
- Double glazing
Sliding windows/doors
- Universal design accessability
- Wheelchair access
- Universal Design Features
- 80cm minimum door opening width
- Number of bedrooms
- 1
- Number of bathrooms
- 1
- Garden / Outdoors
- Wicking beds
- Garden / Outdoors
- Chickens
Composting
Drip irrigation
Edible garden
Organic
Permaculture
Native plants
Water-wise plants
- Healthy home features
- Airtight house design
Chemical-free cleaning products used
Cross-flow ventilation
Indoor plants for air filtration
Low VOC paints/sealer/varnish
- Housing Type:
- Standalone House
- Project Type:
- New Build
- Builder
- Owner, with support from Bingie Builders
- Designer
- Owner
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