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BARKERS VALE DAIRY

Simple detailing with characterful recycled materials changed this 1920's dairy from a drafty shack to a comfortable family home.  Passive solar design of existing orientation, appropriate glazing, sunshading, insulation and thermal mass make this small house comfortable year-round with ready connection to the lush outdoors.

Builder: Owner Builder Gilbert Louttit assisted by John Bell (builder) and a team of friends, family and labourers.

Budget: $110,000

Floor area: 46 sqm original + 24 sqm new bedroom and kitchen

Sustainable features:

  • High recycled content - doors, windows, linings, cladding, roofing, framing, architraves and skirtings, kitchen and bathroom fittings, light fittings, sawdust in sandcrete wall panels.
  • High levels of insulation in walls and ceiling
  • Increased northern openings and reduced southern windows
  • Concrete floors for thermal mass
  • Paints - mix of old random and new VOC free