4 Hakea Walk

Aldinga SA 5173

All rainwater from the roof is collected and carried via gravity feed to a 20,000 litre PolyEthylene tank on the South East corner of the block. This tank is partially buried acting as a retaining wall. A first flush system and electric pump is also fitted.
The house has a galvanised corrugated roof in two gables running East West. Sawn, natural edge Cyprus timber cladding cut from reclaimed farm trees from the Fleurieu Peninsula are the main external cladding used, including the shed. The Pergola timber is also from sawn reclaimed Cyprus trees, with decking cut from reclaimed wood. The windows are all wooden repurposed and all interior/exterior doors are also recycled. Wall framing and ceiling lining is plantation pine. A physical termite barrier (Termimesh) is used under the foundation.
The orientation of the house is such that winter sun will enter the house through windows on the North. Specially angled slats on the pergola allow in winter sun, but shade the glass from summer sun. Interior blinds and curtains with closed pelmets assist in preventing heat loss through the glass.
The main thermal mass in the house is provided by the 100mm concrete slab with an additional cover of 12mm natural slate in all living areas including the South Western bedroom. Extra thermal mass is provided by the feature cement block walls in the living area. The house is insulated with rating R3.2 Batts in the ceilings, and R1.5 in the walls.
Care was taken in the design to ensure good cross ventilation through the house. Interior ceiling fans also increase air movement when required.
Other valuable features include:
- Single garage/workshop with roller door, access to roof space storage and PA door to the back yard
- Solar Hot water with unimpeded access (no shading) and a gas booster
- Solar Photovoltaic - 1KW system with room to expand also unimpeded
- Easy access to the Hakea common grassed area
- NBN Fibre to house
- Led low cost lighting
- Winter heating - A Derby heat bank, Low cost J tariff electricity heats up overnight and releases the stored-up heat during the day. Ethanol burner can be used in the evenings to supplement house warming and also created a pleasant ambience.
- Thermal mass walls and floor (thermal mass is the ability of a material to absorb and store heat energy from the sun)
- Shade sails for summer shade
- Eastern side of house has ample greenery that release moisture which is funnelled into the main bedroom for overnight cooling
Visit http://aldingaartsecovillage.com for more information about the Aldinga Arts Eco-Village.