Project Description

Location: Hackett ACT
Total Floor Area: 167m2
Year Completed: 2017
Architect: Geoff Lovie Architects
EER: 7 stars

Client Brief

The scope for this project was to create an energy efficient, light filled and solar passive home that is comfortable all year round. The result is a spectacular modern home with the latest technology that stays cool in summer without the need for air conditioning and comfortable in the cold Canberra winter. The home also features timber reveals, plywood ceilings and unique custom joinery making this home feel warm and comfortable.

Sustainable Products & Features

  • Sanden heat pump (extremely efficient and low-energy water heating system)
  • In-slab electric heating offset with large solar array
  • Haiku ceiling fans to living areas. Haikus have the top ENERGY STAR® rankings for ceiling fans
  • Taubmans Low VOC paints
  • Australian plantation hardwood (not imported, not old-growth)
  • Weathertex cladding which uses some recycled and some non-recycled components, was used on most of the exterior walls.
  • High levels of insulation (R2.5 bulk wall insulation to internal and external walls and R6 ceiling insulation) to reduce heat transfer between inside and outside and between internal zones of the home.
  • ProClima Solitex vapour permeable membranes (fully taped at joins and penetrations to all external walls and under roof sheets) to ensure interstitial moisture control and minimise air movement past insulation.
  • Ventis Sub-Flow system – in cooler months this takes hot air from the roof space (which gets really hot even in winter due to Canberra’s sunny days) and pumps it into the air void below the rear, southern, bedroom-end of the slab to provide extra heat under the floor.

“The brief we gave 360 was for a solar passive, cost effective and compact family home that would suit our changing needs over the next few decades. We moved in during December and the house stayed cool during the Jan/Feb heatwaves with just ceiling fans and no aircon. We expect it will perform equally well during the long Canberra winter. We chose small kid bedrooms to save cost and reduce their mess footprint. The eldest has her own flat that the others will use as they reach uni age and want independence. There is no garage – just a simple carport that will double as a second outdoor entertaining space. Savings went towards good size living spaces and finishes eg timber reveals, plywood ceilings and joinery. We love the reclaimed timber pergola (a 360 special). The house is really interesting and light filled with 3 north facing courtyards. Dean & crew were a pleasure to work with and we are incredibly happy with the result.”

2018 Master Builders Association ACT, Custom Built Home Less Than 250m2 –Winner