Brunswick House

Alterations and additions to an existing weatherboard house. The owners of this property wanted to create a vibrant and dynamic space for their family. The owners wanted to use timber as the predominant material in the building, and all of the recycled timbers were chosen from salvage yards by the owners themselves.

Planning

• new living areas were created to open up to the north and maximize the solar access for passive heating in winter
• windows have been positioned to maximize cross ventilation in summer
• overhangs were created to create shade in summer and allow for access of the sun in winter

Energy

• low energy light fittings were selected – compact fluorescent and low energy globes
• installation of hydronic heating panels and in-slab heating
• installation of photovoltaic cells for solar power generation
• installation of a hot water recirculation system

Waste

• much of the existing building that was demolished was recycled.
• installation of a grey water diverter from shower for use as subsoil irrigation in the garden

Water

• collection of rain water for use in the garden
• installation of a solar hot water system
• low water usage appliances chosen

Materials

• cypress for all in ground timber
• solid brick and concrete slab construction for thermal mass, thermal mass assists passive heating and cooling
• recycled bricks were used in the bagged solid brick wall
• recycled timber lining boards were used on the interior floors, walls and ceilings
• low VOC paints were used
• natural timber oil finishes were used on the timber floors, walls and ceilings
• natural upholstery fabrics chosen
• thermally efficient window furnishing fabrics were used
• materials are typically FSC or GECA certified
• local products were chosen where possible