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
Double glazed windows ordered
Double glazed windows were a non-negotiable item right from the start. Expert advice from organisations such as the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) clearly spelled out the insulation advantages. From a ... Read More
Reverse cycle air con decisions
In theory, any home with less than a 10 Star NatHERS rating requires some energy input to keep the occupants comfortable. This can be a significant cost. About 40% of ... Read More
Concrete slab poured
To me, pouring a concrete slab sounds like a simple thing to do. I think of a sunny afternoon with workers in gumboots spreading concrete. It seems straightforward if a ... Read More
Sustainable design made simple
It’s always a pleasure to open the mail box and find the postie has delivered the latest edition of Sanctuary magazine. The Alternative Technology Association (ATA) uses this publication as ... Read More
8 star plus energy rating
Envelope please. And tonight’s winning number is 8.1! We’d just opened an email from David to discover our house designs had scored an 8 star plus energy rating. What does 8 ... Read More
Wireless sensor tags arrive
I couldn’t wait to open the package that recently arrived on our doorstep. I’d been tracking its progress in the mail system for a few days. My Wireless Sensor Tags ... Read More
Goldilocks heating method
The more we investigated heating options, the more the experience reminded me of Goldilocks choosing a bowl of porridge. Which method might be too hot? Which might be too cold? Which ... Read More- 1
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