Insider's view of Insider' sustainable sustainab le living Our Home readers are already familiar with the Sandhill House in Kyvalley, but recently a whole new audience was able to view the property, which offers sustainable living at its best. STORY: JARED PRESTWIDGE The land Sandhill House was built on used to be used as a sand extraction mine. Photos: @bookenblend
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his year’s Sustainable House Day — which usually allows guests to visit chosen homes and see first-hand the use of solar power, home batteries, off-grid living, innovative building materials and design—was instead streamed across Australia via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions. Lisa Booth, who along with her husband, Stephen, built the home they affectionally call “Beaver House” four years ago, said it was a dream to take part in the event despite the strange circumstances. “It was really great because people weren’t geographically bound this year,” she said. “There’s been a lot of feedback from people saying what an incredible opportunity it was to drop in and out of homes all over Australia. “And all of the technology worked great on the day, so that was a win.” Lisa and Stephen’s eco-friendly dream home is passively designed and
incorporates thermal mass, double glazing, cross-ventilation, strategic shading and biofuel heating into its make-up. “The home uses what nature provides for free and it keeps itself comfortable throughout the year,” Lisa said. “We don’t have much requirement for extra heating and cooling for our house because it does it naturally.” Lisa said interest in their home, and sustainable living, had increased exponentially in the past 12 months to two years. “Why wouldn’t you want to build a house that has no bills and is comfortable all year round?” she said. “I do see this becoming much more mainstream and if we can help spread the message that this is simple and easy to do, then we’re happy.” If you missed the event you can see more of Beaver House by visiting bookenblend.com
Lisa and Stephen Booth's eco-friendly dream home is passively designed and incorporates thermal mass, double glazing, cross-ventilation, strategic shading and bio-fuel heating into its make-up.
OUR HOME // SPRING 2020 // 21
