Solar Dwellings Project 4

This sustainably designed, contemporary single-storey home was created by Solar Dwellings. With the use of water and energy-efficient practices, this property makes the most of the unique Perth climate. Built to an exceptional standard using only high-quality products, the home is the perfect blend of eco-conscious living and modern luxury.

Thanks to the inclusion of passive solar design principles, the home has an ambient living temperature that creates a comfortable atmosphere year-round. All windows and walls were strategically placed to naturally cool, heat and illuminate the building rather than using traditional air-conditioning systems. Annual wind and sun direction cycles were taken into careful consideration during the design process, while low-E glazing was installed in the kitchen and scullery to minimise heat loss by reflecting heat back to the living area.

The dwelling’s high water-efficiency was achieved through careful selection of fixtures and fittings, as well as its landscaping. The owner  worked closely with one of Solar Dwellings’ landscape designers, Garden Deva, to ensure climate-sensitive, waterwise plants were selected to enhance the indoor-outdoor living connection, and to establish a sweeping, high-impact grass driveway. The grey-water system, which recycles water from the home, supports plant health during the summer months, while water from the roof is harvested and stored in a 22,500L rainwater tank for internal and external use.

To further increase its energy effciency, the home was ftted with a 25-panel solar system located on the north side of the roof. This position optimises the amount of sun that is captured and converted to electricity, reducing carbon emissions and allowing the owner to save on energy bills. The LED light fixtures selected for all internal and external applications use at least 55 per cent less energy than halogen or incandescent lights.

Established in 1991 by Griff Morris, Solar Dwellings is one of Western Australia’s leading companies in passive solar design. Specialising in the design of intelligent, modern, climate-sensitive homes, Solar Dwellings provides a variety of sustainable living solutions and offers a complete ‘design and construct’ service to its clients. Over the years, the company has won more than 80 awards for its sustainable homes and talented designers. Another key aspect of Solar Dwellings’ ethos is the inclusion of multigenerational and multifunctional design features, to ensure the home suits you and your family’s needs now and into the future. Solar Dwellings designs also include wide doorways and hallways, as well as easy access to bathrooms and showers, taking care to minimise trip hazards.

By choosing a Solar Dwellings home, you will not only make a difference to the environment, but also reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint, as well as save on heating, water and air-conditioning costs. The team will be delighted to discuss plans for your new home.