SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY
Fitzroy North
When our client stumbled across this rare double-width block in the heart of Fitzroy North, they knew it was in urgent need of restoration. They sought a contemporary green-home renovation that maintained the original integrity of the circa 1870s Victorian dwelling, with functional, sustainable, and stylish modern elements intertwined.
Essential design objectives were to retain and restore the double fronted heritage component and retrofit upgrades to improve energy efficiency.
RESTORATION
Painted bricks were methodically stripped back and repointed to their original state, and reclaimed cast iron verandah posts and salvaged slate tiles were used to re-establish the heritage style.
Timber-framed, double-glazed windows replaced existing aluminium, and high-performance foil board and bulk insulation was installed to floors, walls and ceilings for optimal thermal control.
ADDITION
The rear addition needed to sympathetically integrate contemporary design with the Victorian façade, optimising natural light and ventilation, and maintaining a strong connection between the inside and outside gardens. Energy efficient technologies and materials such as solar power, electrical heat pump, hydronic heating and high-performance glazing were employed to maximize the home’s performance.
The rear layout is stretched to orientate living areas to the north. Clerestory windows extend the perimeter of the main living spaces to increase direct sunlight.
2017 Sustainability Awards Finalist:
• 2017 Shortlist: Heritage
• 2017 Shortlist: Single Dwelling, New
AWARDS
FEATURES
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Passive solar design
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Cross flow ventilation
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Thermal mass (polished concrete slab)
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5kW Photovoltaic Solar Power System, powering:
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Electric Reversible Heat pump
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In slab and radiator hydronic heating
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All electric appliances (no gas)
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High performance, thermally broken, double glazed windows and doors
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Rainwater catchment and reuse
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High performance insulation
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Reclaimed slate tiles and verandah posts
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Western Red Cedar plantation timber
