An Energy Saving House

The ten year old purpose built and low maintenance house is designed for comfort, space and to save energy wherever possible. 

It has 2.5kw of solar power facing north and is fully insulated in the ceiling and most walls. A hot water circulating pump system brings hot water to the kitchen sink at the press of a button. Also in the kitchen, a continuous boiling water tap and a cold filtered tap assist in decreasing energy use. 

A triple head air-conditioner system heats the house and cools the house, quite economically, when set to 'dehumidify'.

Planting at the front gate in Spring (Furcraea, Pentstemon and Bismarck Palm)

The rooms are spacious with high ceilings. The three bedrooms are roomy. Each room has a garden outlook and privacy. The large master bedroom has an ensuite and walk in robe and opens on to the north facing terrace.

The fully insulated Lounge/Music Room provides a retreat from the Family Room. Temperatures in this room are easily maintained. Its north-facing, tiled terrace traps winter heat and the large sliding doors provides sun in winter and constant private views of the garden.

A hot water pump circulates hot water to the taps with the push of a button saving on cold water. An instant boiling water tap saves energy, no kettles are needed. A filtered water tap is situated alongside.

Although the house is connected to the mains water supply a 22,500 litre tank collects rain water for 7 garden taps, the laundry and toilets. There is also a rarely used mains water garden tap.

A worm farm sewerage system deals with all black and grey water and pumps water to a third of the orchard.

Front NE elevation with ornamental and food garden

Amidst the ornamentals in the front garden are a Forest Pansy (you can eat the flowers) and three olive trees. On the south side are a few pineapples and blueberry bushes. the nearby screening bamboo has shoots that can be eaten and also used as chicken food.

Extra wide rear deck looking south

The rear deck on the northern side

Looking towards the front of the house

Terrace off the living/music room and the master bedroom

Walking iris and pool garden below spa terrace

There is space for a plant nursery and worm farm under the excavated corner of the house.

Steps lead up from the main path, past raised vegetable beds (right) to the north facing terrace.

North facing terrace, the quickest access to the garden

North facing lawn with main bedroom window

Garden features near the front door

Separate living/music room looking to the north terrace and dining room

North facing terrace

The master bedroom is large with an ensuite and walk in robe.

Main Bathroom with spa bath

Bedroom 2 with spa in background

Peeping through to the living room

Kitchen with dining room

Bedroom3

The kitchen has energy saving features

Looking up through the perennial vegetable garden in Zone 1

The Family Room opens to an extensive deck and is fully screened.