Providing a simple yet striking example of how sustainable any renovation project can be, the Sanders Residence successfully links ‘old and new’ to create a home that is well adapted to modern lifestyles whilst also respecting the virtues of heritage.

From passive solar perspective, the home incorporates a new living space with high thermal mass and insulation – including high performance double glazing and double insulation levels to walls and ceilings.

The use of sustainable materials also features prominently – with low VOC joinery and floor coverings, zero VOC paint and sustainable materials being incorporated throughout.

On the technology front the home is almost 100% self sufficient for electricity and water by incorporating a grid connected solar panel system, rainwater harvesting, a waterless urinal and greywater reuse.

In summary, every component in this project is ‘off the shelf’ and the home shows that you can have your cake and eat it too!

PRIMARY ELEMENTS INCLUDE:

• 6 star energy rating (0 stars before renovation) of Victorian period home
• Low ‘e’ and argon gas double glazing
• Extensive use of plantation, recycled and low toxicity materials
• Zero VOC paint and timber floor coatings
• 3.8 kW solar power system to create net export of electricty to grid
• ‘GatorPro’ greywater system
• 9,000 lt rainwater system to whole house
• 6 star low flow urinal
• Extensive, yet compact, food producing garden

Photography: Open2View