The home, which was completed in 2004, was designed by Kennedy Associates Architects and has an in-ground swimming pool and off-street parking.
The seamless integration of sustainable principles with architectural supremacy has won the Clovelly house several prestigious awards. Furthermore, the homes water managing system has also won the home a number of special accolades.
The water managing system is one of the most impressive eco-features of the house, saving water through a special process of collection and treatment.
The water saving is achieved by way of a triple pipe reticulation system for the re-use of rain water and grey water (waste water generated from domestic processes such as dish washing, laundry and bathing) and there are 3000-litre storage tanks on site.
The Rainwater, which feeds the pool, shower, bath and sink, is collected from the 100sqm roof area. The grey water is collected from the domestic waste pipes and is directed to a holding tank. The water is then pumped to the top of a vertical ‘green-wall’ grey water treatment system, which was the first of its kind in the country.
The filtered, or ‘polished’, water is then passed through a UV filter on its way back into the house where it will be used for the washing machine and toilets. The only water that is not retained and re-used on site is black water (you can guess what this is if you don’t already know), which is discharged to the sewer.
There is even an on site scheme for managing storm water overflow. This process, even with the running of a swimming pool, reduces the usage of Town water by 75%, which is a saving of approximately 115,000 litres of water per year, in a two-person household!
Other eco-features include the thermal chimneys which provide solar space heating and cooling for the living areas, along with total insulation of internal and external walls and ceilings. Natural light is also utilised as much as possible by way of an extensive use of glass including a number of strategically placed Skylights, and when the light, or the rays, are unwanted, external louvres regulate the light entry.
There is also provision for solar power generation, and all the lighting is, of course, low wattage and energy saving. The pool is also heated by solar space and water heating.
The extensive use of eco-friendly materials in the building and decorating of the house are also important to the homes eco-friendly status.
The materials used include bio paints, vegetable-based oils on the timber floors, sustainable timber, and negligible copper plumbing. And last, but not least, the eco-friendly appliances within the home include an induction stove and a 5-star energy-rated refrigerator.