As part of National Sustainable Homes Day – 14th of September 2014 – the Transition Town Guildford Sustainable Homes action group organized a bus tour of three far away homes. We visited two in Safety Bay and one in East Fremantle. A lovely day, including lunch by the beach, was had by all. So belatedly, here’s some pics of what we learnt and saw.
North face of Sunny’s house
First stop, Sunny’s house in Saftey Bay – a rammed earth house using limestone from 17km away featuring interesting stone insets. The house has many small courtyards letting light into all parts of the house.
Courtyard with 9000 litre rainwater tank
Rainwater tank featuring adapted first flush mechanism which avoids filling the pipe with gunk as diversion pipe can send dirty water to the garden and bottom stopper can be removed for cleaning the short pipe section that will fill with gunk.
Large north facing windows allow entry of winter sun with summer sun blocked by external pergola louvres. Note ‘up down’ blinds that can shade the lower window from afternoon summer sun. Double hung windows allow air flow even if it’s raining
Roof/ceiling us cool room panels for weight and thermal efficiency
High clerestory windows have bubble wrap for extra insulation and can open to release excess hot air
Note timber at the top of the rammed earth that can be used as a picture rail.
Transom windows above internal doors allow for air-circulation even when the doors are shut.
Long narrow window preserves privacy whilst allowing air flow and light can ‘wash’ the nearby wall.
Louvre window at ground level allows air flow across bed in hot weather
Bedside lights turn on/off from multiple switches in the room.
Two further rainwater tanks provide for garden and drinking water.
Cleaner water for drinking is siphoned from the garden tanks after it has settled.
Sunny in his garden with his ‘vertical axis horizontally rotating solar clothes dryer’ yes a good old hills hoist 😉
Extensive food garden including veggies, herbs, fruit trees, chooks, various composting operations
Solar food dehydrator today drying mushrooms and thyme
Adjustable louvres let in low-angled winter sun and provide shade in summer
Next time, the two remaining houses, in Part II.
Transition Town Guildford 