A new residence located on a small sloping site in a heritage-listed precinct. The design of the residence presents a traditional style façade to the street, in keeping with the heritage streetscape, and a more contemporary form at the back of the property. This project won the HIA 2017 Greensmart Home Award for excellence in sustainability and design innovation. Local people were employed on the project and locally made products used as much as possible, to demonstrate that environmentally responsive and socially responsible design is achievable in an urban context.
The plan arranges the main living, working and circulation spaces in an L-shape, opening to the north facing courtyard and deciduous tree at the centre of the property. During the colder months, when the tree has lost all of its leaves, the shape of the plan enables the house to capture the maximum amount of sunlight as the sun tracks through the sky. In the warmer months, projecting eaves and foliage protect the house from the harsh sun.
The hip roof above the carport on the street side projects up to form a skillion facing the courtyard above the stairwell. High louvered windows allow the northeast sea breeze in and down into the stairwell and through the house for natural ventilation and cooling.
The property is located in Australia’s first coal mining area, which restricts the use of masonry materials for construction. The residence is constructed primarily from timber, using locally sourced recycled materials for the flooring, decking and sunscreen cladding. Every wall in the residence is timber framed and insulated, and air cavities and timber sunscreens on external walls improve thermal performance.
Sealed double glazed IGU (integrated glazing units) and grey tinted Low-E louvre windows have been used to improve thermal performance, while maximising natural light. Operable double glazed skylights above the bathrooms and robe enable light and ventilation into small spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Rainwater collected from the roof is directed to three water tanks under the house with 27,000L storage capacity. The primary power source for the residence is from a solar battery storage system with a gas backup generator. An evacuated tube solar water heater with gas-boost storage increases the building’s energy efficiency.
The Jarrah doors and joinery and the extensive use of recycled timbers give the residence a unique patina and warmth rarely seen in many new residential buildings.
