11.5 Marion, South Australia

This study shows how a conventional suburban project house has been renovated to provide a comfortable and efficient home that fits within the context of its surroundings.

The aim of the design was to improve the home’s liveability, minimise environmental impact during construction and operation, and harmonise with the natural surroundings. The original budget of about $120,000 was continuously reviewed to balance needs and desired outcomes with ‘value for money’. The final cost of the renovation was $155,000. The clients’ idea of cost effectiveness was informed by their environmental awareness, their concern for minimal use of resources, their desired lifestyle, the long-term viability of the building and advice from the architect and council.

Of particular concern was enhancing natural lighting, cross ventilation and linkage to the natural surroundings. The inherent characteristics of the existing building were utilised and improved, along with creative ‘grafting’ of a low environmental impact addition. The house has attracted considerable publicity, highlighting its great performance in terms of low energy use and low running cost.

The flow between outdoor and indoor spaces has resulted in a new relationship between occupants and passers-by. Many visitors have been attracted to the house by its appearance and the tangible application of passive and renewable energy measures.

The existing house

The house is a conventional 1970s spec-built double brick home in suburban Marion, SA. It is situated alongside a park reserve, with school grounds across the creek.

It is located in a suburban environment, and surrounded by contemporary typical brown brick dwellings featuring bottle glass and concrete roof tiles.

PROJECT AIMS

The main aims of the project are summarised below:

Amenity – Enhance views to the reserve and creek and provide the clients with an improved living space, a more direct relationship with outdoors, and improved cross ventilation and natural lighting.

Energy – Achieve good passive solar design, maximise energy efficiency, use materials with low embodied energy and use renewable electricity.

Water – Harvest rainwater to supply all household uses.

Materials – Use plantation timber, to design for ‘long life, low maintenance’ and re-use and recycle construction waste.