Would you consider building a home using Passive Solar Design?
My Architect
9 years ago
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Neryl Hollingsworth
9 years agoRelated Discussions
Solar passive advice please
Comments (41)Hi Brett, first off - well done for reaching out (without ego) and asking those that know and those that have tried and found results. If you are going with the brick veneer, the cavity is key to your moisture and thermal capabilities, after years within the house. Gyproc is not designed for anything but a 'skin'. If you increase thermal layer on the walls by asking he outer layer of the stud work with good quality silver sarking or Tyvek. Tape joints to eliminate vapour transfer to internal gyproc. Use 12.5mm gyproc on all external walls. OR Use 12.5 silver backed gyproc board on walls instead of previous. If coast effective -I would use this on the ceilings also. Principle being - isolate the internal breathing environment both thermally and other from the externals. Then deal with any ventilation or thermal issue by themselves internally. Look at why a house is designed, then go 100% better. The problem with roof voids is cold at night and heat in day, focus on high air barrier and high 'R' values here. Internally, consider + and -, as in, where it is cold-draw heat to it (South+ low) where it is hot, draw coolth to it (North & high). The result will be both continuos balance or equilibrium in comfort, thermally, energy and ventilation wise... Hope this helps : )...See MoreHow does hydronic underfloor heating fit into passive design?
Comments (7)As Australias largest supplier of hydronic heating, we have been providing Australian homes with stylish, safe and comfortable hydronic heating and cooling solutions. As exclusive stockists of an extensive range of premium products, we ensure that all homes can enjoy the benefits of a low carbon, energy efficient system. We have just released an industry leading guide on Underfloor Heating, that contains information for both homeowners and installers, I believe the content within would be the perfect for many commenters on this post. If you're unsure on how to proceed with your project I recommend you take full advantage of our personalised consultation service, available for both homeowners and installers. Using the latest design software and coupled with the expertise of our Customer Service Team, you can rest easy knowing that we’ll design a bespoke solution that delivers superior comfort that is also environmentally friendly and energy efficient. If you would like a copy please email me on sophieo@huntheat.com.au, alternatively head to our blog to download a copy: Hunt Heating Blog...See MoreAre you considering a solar home battery setup?
Comments (16)We are building as you know Luke and I would love solar but hubby feels at present the systems offered, sway too far towards the companies marketing the products and not enough towards the person forking out huge $$$$ to have the system installed. There is talk be it correct or not, that solar systems might only last 10 years before they need either maintenance, partial or complete replacement and that's simply not long enough to get back in the black with the initial financial outlay, as you may still be paying for the original system!! Also for us living in south west vic, our winters are so cold and sunless, that I hazzard a guess, like solar heating for a pool, the system will completely fail, in that it wouldn't produce any energy for possibly 4 months of the year. We have credible information about a wealthy local who decided to give going off the grid a red hot go and even installed a wind turbine, with the batteries and a solar system and my information is that this local is back on the grid, as the system failed because there wasn't sufficient wind to keep the turbines moving and the same for the solar with inadequate sunlight during winter. I think such a system (solar) should last a good 15 - 20 years and then allot more people in colder areas like us, would definitely consider the expense of going "green" because the months when the system would work would become worthwhile. Just slightly off topic, we were supposed to have a solar HWS with electric backup as part of our energy rating for the area and during the course of investigating the best unit, we found out that most common systems for a HWS that has solar panels on the roof, have a type of anti freeze running through the system to prevent the water from freezing in low temps. Literature that I read on the Rheem website advised people like us that gather our own water for all household needs, showering, laundry etc... AND most importantly drinking water, needed to isolate the section of roofing where the panel were, in case of a leak although remote because if it occured, all the drinking water that became contaminated, had to be discarded!! Imagine having to empty our tanks during summer with no more rain to refill them, we would then have to buy water to be able to stay in the home however, there is a system that we found that has evacuated tubes rather than panels and these tubes have no chemicals with the most popular brand being the Apricus. Anyway, just some info about solar hot water. Cheers, Barbara...See MoreWould you consider having your (elderly) parents live with you?
Comments (22)On the surface this subject raises quaint images of flowering vine-adorned little granny flats and harmonious extended families 'taking tea' together on the patio surrounded by grandchildren and laughter, visiting care-givers helping the elderly live at home with family, receiving visits from Caregiver services...everyone smiling...but wait, there's more. At a certain stage along the planning process a percentage of us fall foul of the expectations, hopes and idealistic scenarios and maybe, for some, that is because of religious upbringings..."honour they father and thy mother" etc. adding guilt to the already difficult decisions. Housing our elderlies is not an easy topic to bring up for discussion in public because there is no "one way" to address and resolve this issue. I felt that HOUZZ, was a good place to have a discussion about an otherwise difficult and emotional subject that many would be reluctant to approach. On deciding to tell a bit of my own experience I felt that it would open up an opportunity for others battling with the complexities of this problem. So, congrats to all the Houzzers who've had a go at telling their stories here and making the rest of us feel that we are not alone having to deal with this life-situation. Taking care of our elderlies is about much more than building them a comfy granny flat or putting on extentions to our own homes and its not about applying a "One size fits most" solution...( Would that it were all that easy!) I found that my religious upbringing, coupled with unhappy experiences had with my parent made my final decision ever so much more difficult despite that certain 'rules' no longer applied in my own life....or I thought they did not! I discovered that the religious expectations put on me in my childhood coupled with those of friends and family members had reared their heads from the distant past to make my decisions more difficult. I discovered the power of guilt! Mum did not practise her faith but the rules about children and parents were convenient, those indisputable, fearsome rules to enforce compliance and obedience...or else.... I will never forget the day she quoted her favourite "honour thy father and thy mother" at me just once too often after she'd exacted very severe discipline: : I'd found my indignation at being treated unfairly and, through my bloodied handkerchief I screamed : -"What if thy father and thy mother are not honourable ?" There was no answer to that question, no hour long lecture to reinforce the point. Again I paid dearly for my retort. This example to illustrate that domineering parents can be very cruel when they call to bear witness to their demnds any rationale that they have inculcated in their children from a religious perspective and a socio/ cultural perspective So - pondering on wheher we would house our elderlies ( probably meant to call for accomodation suggestions and financial solutions here on HOUZZ) for me, and maybe for others. brought out a dilemma I did not know was there...Obligation irrespectively and Guilt.....they are your parents no matter what. Maybe today I would have guarded more jealously the life I'd won for myself....See Moremizjayne
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