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D’Amour Architect Colin Brown’s green renovation was planned
down to the last detail. Open for Sustainable House Day,
it’s a model for inner-city fit outs.
Words Siobhan O’Brien Photography Tim Wheeler
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house profile DULWICH HILL house profile DULWICH HILL
L
The terrace is carefully
designed and orientated to
catch winter sun and summer
shade via a relocatable
adjustable umbrella; various
in-ground locations
determined by computer
modelling of shadows avoid
the need for a clumsy
counterweight base.
As Colin explains, “I conducted computer- were used in the construction of a stormwater through the renovation, so low-VOC paints
generated solar studies to ascertain the most channel. Inside, Colin employed sustainable and finishes were a must”. “We were living in house with
effective placement for these sockets. It’s little birch plywood joinery and recycled rimu And Colin isn’t finished yet. “This house, young children through the
things like this that really pay off in the long flooring to match the existing timber. like many others, is a real work in progress.
term and make the difference between a space I’ve made provision for hooking up a rainwater
renovation, so low-VOC paints
really working or not.” Sustainable timber online tank, additional sunshade devices and the and finishes were a must.”
Passive heating and cooling techniques If you’re wondering which species are sourced regeneration of the garden is ongoing.”
abound through the house: the northern sustainably, which are so-so and which are “on An architect’s home has to be many things,
facade opens up with sliding glass doors; the nose”, Greenpeace has an easy-to-follow a display home, an advertisement and a space
flyscreen doors, windows and glass louvres guide to sustainable timber species at www. for his family to grow. It’s a difficult balance but
were installed throughout for effective (and goodwoodguide.org.au. Colin thinks he’s got it right. “As an architect
attractive) cross ventilation; while a centrally For nitty-gritty specifying, environmental you are always keen to have something really
located opening skylight allows hot air to architects and designers favour www. special for your own family and produce
escape when required. ecospecifier.org. It’s a one-stop-shop for a something that also has architectural merit, is
Active heating and cooling in the house is vast range of environmentally sound building built well and will be a calling card. I drove my
kept to a minimum. Ceiling fans and a gas-fired products, including timber products. wife mad with options and updates but we are
hydronic heating system effectively heat and Many (the list is not exhaustive) of in no doubt that we now have a fabulous home
cool the house, and these are greatly assisted Australia’s sustainable timber product that works well for us
by further passive elements such as suspended suppliers can be found in Forestry Stewardship as a family.”
timber floors, laminated glazing, and insulated Council’s small but growing guide to FSC-
ceilings and walls. Existing windows were certified Australian timber products at www. SUSTAINABLE HOUSE DAY
weather-stripped with draft strips. fscaustralia.org. Look under “Green Building Sustainable House Day will be held on Sunday
The building materials used for the project Sector”. 12 September 2010. Some 250 homes around
were all selected for their environmental Australia will be open on the day. Go to
qualities. The outdoor cabana features Paints, finishes and floor coverings include www.sustainablehouseday.com for more
G
Australian spotted gum hardwood, while a plethora of non-toxic sealants, natural oil information. The cabana, which abutts
the rear wall of the house,
plantation pine plywood was used for its finishes and floor coverings. Colin explains, is a favourite retreat for
cladding. In close proximity, recycled bricks “We were living in house with young children family members.
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