Vieska, Bedfordale 2017

Vieska, Bedfordale

Our recently completed passive solar home on a semi-rural property was designed and orientated to maximise northern exposure as well as views down the valley to the south.  In summer, sails and deciduous vines shade the northern windows and double glazing to the south keeps the ambient heat out. The long, narrow floor plan with excellent cross ventilation allows quick flushing of any warm air as the sun goes down, using the south-west breeze up the valley.

In winter, with the sails packed away, the sun penetrates metres into the house to warm the inhabitants and the thermal mass beneath the tiled floors. Heavy curtains with timber pelmets trap in the heat when they are closed as night falls.  Insulation in the walls and ceiling help keep the temperature stable throughout the seasons

Wide doorways, flush thresholds and hobless showers in our single level home allow accessibility for all as well as giving a nice open feel.  Other Universal design features include lever door handles & flickmixer taps on semi-recessed sinks.

Low energy LED lighting is used throughout, and hot water is heated by the sun.

The light coloured roof supports a newly installed 6.4kw solar pv array which provides power during daylight hours and feeds excess into the grid. A smart meter records power production, utilisation and grid input/output. We plan to use the data we collect over the coming years to guide our selection of a battery that will fit our usage patterns, once prices come down.

Rain water is collected and stored in 2 x 90,000L tanks which supply the whole house.

After many years visiting Sustainable Houses picking up ideas , we at last have our own. We’d love to share it with you.(Just excuse the in-progress garden!)

Designed by Solar Dwellings and built by Auscon Builders