ST LEONARDS HOUSE

Designer: Tim Adams, F2 Design

Assessor: Josh Fraser, Ecofficient Design

Project cost estimate: $660,000

House size: 220 sqm

Energy rating: 8.2 stars

St Leonards House is a high-performing home optimising solar passive response with a cost effective building assembly specification.

Zoning of bedrooms at either end of the layout enables occupation by unrelated residents and accessibility standards have been considered, including stepless showers, stepless entry, wider doors suitable for wheelchair access and the addition of noggins for future installation of grab rails in the bathroom.

One downpipe simplifies rainwater collection and storage, removing the need for multiple downpipes and an associated in-ground stormwater drainage system.

Architectural expression has been crafted so that solar appliances are integrated with the building form to maintain an aesthetically pleasing exterior, and the kitchen layout includes a cool cupboard to reduce mechanical refrigeration capacity for food and drink storage.

St Leonards House is an all-electric home with low lighting power and no recessed downlights. Fixed and plug load appliances were carefully selected with energy efficiency as the primary consideration. Modest heating, cooling and hot water demands are easily powered by on-site renewable energy generation using a photovoltaic solar system coupled with high-efficiency appliances.

Recycled materials have been chosen where available, including bricks, a timber structure and windows that were selected for their ability to lock in carbon sequestration for a reasonably long term. Polyester insulation, made from recycled drink bottles was specified and low VOC and natural products were used, including lanolin-based sealer for the burnished concrete slab and external timbers. E-crete was selected due to its benefits from slab-on-ground thermal mass while minimising the use of Portland Cement.

The occupants of St Leonards House will enjoy the experience provided by passive comfort, relieving the need for mechanical heating and cooling. The mental and physical benefits of living in this highperforming home are well known by improving overall wellbeing and counteracting the increased morbidity of living in poor performing houses.

Year round comfort, minimal (if not zero) utility bills, and confidence knowing that the residents’ lifestyle is not contributing to any degradation of the environment, St Leonards House ticks all the boxes.

Recycled materials have been chosen where available including bricks, a timber structure and windows that were selected for their ability to lock in carbon sequestration for a reasonably long term.