Sustainable, Recycled Canberra House

Winner – Chris Reardon Memorial Award for Residential Sustainable Buildings. (Building Designers Association, National Awards: 2019)
Winner – People’s Choice Award. (Master Builder’s Association, ACT Building Excellence Awards: 2019)
Winner – Best Sustainable Design. (Building Designers Association, ACT Awards: 2017)

Featured in ‘Living Rooms‘ – The Design Canberra Festival – 2019
Featured in Canberra Sustainable House Day – 2019

Built on a vacant ‘Mr. Fluffy’ block, we concieved this new home as a series of light-filled spaces built around a spine of rammed earth. The heavy thermal mass of the rammed earth cocoons the living areas and the entry. This regulates humidity and temperature inside. The home has achieved an energy rating of 8.8 stars. The temperature remains stable between 20-22 degrees though both summer and winter.

The winter sun warms living areas and kids’ bedrooms, looking north over the rooftops of Waramanga. The owners’ love of timber is visible in the finely crafted staircase and joinery. It is well insulated, including pro-clima wrapping to minimise drafts and air leakage. With a large north-facing deck and pergola of recycled timber and beams, the sun pours in during winter. The eaves and pergola prevent the sun entering during summer, making it comfortable year-round.

The house is all-electric with a 9.6kW solar system and 9kw LGchem battery system. It is energy positive for all but the coldest months. Heating is via solar heat pump hydronic heating in the insulated slab. The insulation and design means there is no heating system needed upstairs. Hot water comes from an efficient heat-pump to minimise energy use. Ceiling fans cool the living areas and bedrooms. Large doors and windows give good cross-ventilation to purge hot air.

The double-height entry acts as a thermal chimney, venting warm air as it rises from the living areas. Triple-glazed composite windows complete the energy efficient design. A mix of modern materials with recycled red bricks combine a contemporary palette with iconic Canberran style. The recycled red brick pays homage to the existing suburban fabric. The home fits in, while enjoying improved environmental performance compared to its mid-century neighbours. This home is smart, comfortable and ready for the 21st century.

Contractors:

Builder – 360 Building Solutions
Photographer – Kasey Funnell Photography
Rammed Earth – Earth Structures Australia

Building Features:

Rammed earth walling internally
Recycled bricks and recycled timber
Triple-glazed Aluminium-Timber composite Döpfner Windows from Laros Technologies
Intello-plus internal wall membrane
Hydronic in-slab heating
9.6kW Grid-feed solar photovoltaic system
2500L PolyTank rainwater storage
Kitchen cabinet design to minimise dust collection
Cross flow ventilation
Low VOC paints/sealer/varnish

Australian Homestead Living Room by Architecture Republic

Double-height Entry

Craftsmanship and thermal efficiency combine in this double-height entry space. Acting as a thermal chimney, it also showcases the owners’ love for timber joinery and custom detailing. The rammed earth wall acts as a tactile guidepost, leading the visitor through to the rooms beyond.

Storage, space and function

The kitchen balances large amounts of storage with generous circulation and preparation space. A home office is hidden behind sleek cabinetry. Laundry, pantry and wine storage nestle in the thermally-stable heart of the home, behind rammed earth walls. The kitchen is the social hub of the house, with connection to all living areas, including the outdoor deck.

Floor Plan by Architecture Republic, Australia

Australian Homestead Rammed Earth Colorbond by Architecture Republic

Indoor/Outdoor Living

The generous north-facing triple-glazed slider connects onto the adjacent outdoor living area, effectively doubling the size of the living room and maximising solar gains in wintertime.

Timber Joinery

The house features custom timber joinery and recycled timber – a mix of the owner’s craftsmanship and the builders’. The timber and rammed earth bring warmth and texture to the otherwise minimalist palette.

Australian Homestead Garden by Architecture Republic

Like What You See?

Feel free to contact our offices in Canberra and Bowral. We also operate in Goulburn, the Southern Highlands, Sydney and throughout New South Wales. Mobile: 0404 654 225 Email: hello@archrepublic.com.au Post: PO Box 1572 Bowral, NSW 2576 and PO Box 3062 Belconnen, ACT 2617 Architect Registration Number: 9651 (NSW) 2525 (ACT)

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