Each quarterly issue of ReNew features the latest in sustainable building practice, alternative fuels and the latest renewable energy technology such as solar, wind, micro-hydro and geothermal. Comprehensive articles and DIY stories provide practical information for you to use around your home.
Solarchitecture’s Murrnog project was on the cover.
Andy has been featuring a buried pipe cooling system in his homes for some time as Renew Magazine discovered, read the article from issue 110 , featuring 3 of Andy’s Homes here:
Solar Installation.
Braemac have inspected and prepared a quote for a 2kw grid interactive array with an average daily output of 10.35 kw. Excess power will contribute back to the grid . The idea of locally generated power is very exciting, any power that goes into the local grid and feeds local use, reduces consumption by omitting the transmission losses that occur when dirty power is shunted approximately 230 kilometers from places like Hazelwood , Yallourn or Loy Yang.
Framing
To house the washing machine, we created a recess into the stud wall, with a chipboard back, to be plastered, between airlock and toilet to provide adequate space in a tight area.
The pantry was modified to include the fridge enclosure to keep the kitchens sense of openness to the north. As this is the entry point into the main living space, it was felt that a fridge enclosure here to the north, would enclose the kitchen too much, and compress it’s sense of openness.
Ceiling
The ceiling at 2600 is suspended using Rondo 301 battens(continuous span) and 315 hangers from 90 x 45 Ceiling Joists at 1200 ctrs. The
plaster will sit 10mm below the lower trusses.
The ceiling height is lower than the existing window head, so we’ve built a pelmet of 19mm pine, to allow for the difference. We’re not sure yet if we’re going to increase the window head height, or just allow the frameless double glazed panels to disappear up behind the pelmet.
Link between portables
140 x 45 lvls at 450 centers fixed to Portable PFC with welded cleats and 2xM10 bolts.
90 x 45 suspended ceiling and a 140 x 45 lvl roof frame. Joist hangers secure the Purlins to whaling plate.
We’ve reused the doors and door jambs from the portables as the external doors. They are heavy and solid, made to endure the frequent comings and goings of many students and Teacher. We have fashioned door sills from an old jarrah window sill.
Block work Veneer
A folded galvanised flashing provides a continuous termite inspection barrier which will break render. A render bead will be siliconed to the flashing so termite activity will not pass the bead unnoticed. As with all Termite visual inspection points, regular inspection of the permimeter of the building and sub floor is required to alert the home owner to any termite activity. Garden beds and or organic materials should never be placed against a building, as this provides potential uncontrolled access for termites.
Multiple visits to BRB in Kyneton to select our portables.
The portables with steel channel rather than trusses, seemed in better condition, although the web truss design needs fewer perimeter
supports. The channel (PFC) size varies, and this will effect floor levels ifthe base is level blockwork or similar. In one of the portables we selected, the flooring had been pushed up by differential movement between the permiter steel and the timber floor.
Site Works
Weeks of work with a bobcat, 5 ton and 15 ton excavators.Finally, we have temporary access to the site and our site cut to proceed.
Spray Goarse and Blackberries
Cut down plumbs and pines
Fritz Hammersly Plants a variety of local grasses, shrubs and small trees locally sourced and grown by Frances Cincotta in Newstead. Guard and water.
Solarchitecture has embarked on a building adventure. With a beautiful block of land in Chewton, Central Victoria, we are building a home for someone…not sure who yet – perhaps you would like to live here once we have finished? We plan to document the process here as I think it will be an interesting build. So stay tuned for more progress by subscribing to our thoughts and stories or pop back by here to see how we are going.