Frame means Unit 2 goes 3D
After a pause to recover from the exertion of pouring the slab, the team moved onto building the frame for Unit 2. Time to go 3D! Living in Unit 1 ... Read More
Passive solar and Passivhaus
While discussing sustainable home design with others, I realised the word "passive" mu;st be used carefully. Passive solar design is different to Passive House design. It's important to understand the differences and similarities. Read More
Testing outdoor versus indoor temperature
While the indoor temperature felt comfortable during hot summer days, I was left with the nagging feeling that wishful thinking was keeping me cool. Passive solar design should minimise the need for mechanical cooling for everything but a run of very hot days. Temperature monitoring data confirmed this is the case for our design. Read More
Pouring Unit 2 slab
As soon as the team finished Unit 1 in late 2018, work started on the site for Unit 2. A lot of time and effort went into the groundwork for a stiffened raft slab. During one busy day, the concrete was poured and the slab finished. Read More
Offgrid power system is back
During Unit 1 construction, the team showed that an offgrid power system could meet the electrical requirements for all but the most demanding users. Based on that experience, the system was reassembled to power Unit 2 and 3 construction. Read More
Gentle art of natural air circulation
Imagine it’s the end of a baking hot summer’s day, perhaps one of those 45 degree plus crackers. The home’s insulation, thermal mass and shade did a fantastic job keeping ... Read More
Insulating concrete slab edge
Insulating the concrete slab edge reduces the heat lost from the thermal mass during winter. There are a variety of ways to install the insulation along with the termite barrier. After considering the likely cost/benefit, our design uses a garden bed to cover exposed concrete edges. Read More
Heat pump in service
Using heat pump technology for both the reverse cycle air conditioner and the hot water system is an efficient way to meet those needs. Despite the warm weather, the air conditioner is yet to be fully tested as the passive cooling features in the house have kept this heat pump on standby duty. Read More
Timber offcuts are useful
Building the deck for Unit 1 from sustainable decking materials was a requirement. Creating an artful privacy screen from reclaimed timber offcuts was the icing on the cake. The process highlighted what can be achieved with a commitment to sustainable building practices. Read More
