This is Brett’s own house built by him with many helping hands. Situated on a steep east facing block it came with many challenges. A massive 3m high by 50m long gabion basket retaining wall was built to create usable flat external spaces that the two storey home connects to.
A rustic recycled timber pergola on the west side anchors the house and creates shade for the western side of the house. In summer grapevines shade the earth wall, creating ‘coolth’ for the interior of the house. In winter the grapevines lose their leaves to allow the winter sun to penetrate the deck and earth wall, which then will radiate heat into the house.
Sustainable features include:
- Recycled windows and doors, except for the Breezeway louvres
- Weathertex weatherboard cladding
- Solar panels and solar hot water
- Rainwater tank for use with washing machine and toilets
- Low VOC paints throughout from Rockcote
- Ceiling fans throughout, without need for air-conditioners.
Below Brett’s family home is the Ecolibrium office, a sustainably designed office where clients can come and see how we use and specify sustainable building techniques.
Builder is Latitude21.
