This house is off the grid and eco friendly. Being nearly 1km off the road and up the side of a hill this was the logical choice. The brief was simple; every room is to have a view with maximum north facing windows, so with the exception of the ensuite, robe and entry hall the design achieved the brief.

The large double glazed sliding panels facing north, the exposed polished concrete floor soaks in the heat during the day. The stack bonded concrete block walls also add to the thermal heat sink, being set back into the banks increases the insulation profile. Two wetback fires boost the water heating during winter. The system is designed to run radiator heaters in the bedroom. The solar panels and wind turbine keep a bank of batteries charged providing all the power the house requires. No line charges, no ongoing electricity bills, the only imported energy is a 9kg gas bottle connected to the cooking hob. Rain water is harvested form the roof and waste water is treated in an aerated system proving trickle feed irrigation to the gardens.