This 6 star, water wise new home in an Alphington sub-division demonstrates how thoughtful design can overcome poor orientation and small lot size to achieve high energy efficiency, good natural light and contemporary, flexible living spaces.

 Thoughtful placement of windows using low E glass and double glazing together with appropriate eave size was an important component in achieving the energy efficiency in this home. A large balcony on the upper level (above the garage) has been incorporated to provide additional external living spaces with a glimpse of city views.

 The home takes advantage of the thermal mass in the slab on ground with careful placement of windows to the North. The white slab is acrylic resin finished (water based) and provides the home with a light contemporary feel. The double glazed doors open to a covered deck and rear garden and allows the eastern morning light to stream into the house during winter. Careful door and window placement allows for good ventilation and air flow keeping the house cool in summer.

  The library space can be closed off from the main living areas with large sliding glazed doors framed in second hand blackbutt. Although currently used as a library area the space could easily be used for formal dining allowing a larger living space if required or could be closed off to allow a children’s play area. The bookcase is constructed from hoop pine ply and finished with low VOC paint and the staircase is constructed from secondhand blackbutt timber finished with a water based sealer.

  Integrated joinery is constructed from hoop pine ply and second hand blackbutt. The glazing has been located to maximize light and ventilation but to also maintain privacy and summer shading. The use of low E glazing allows the glass to be ‘wrap’ around the corners without a frame, offering similar performance to double glazing and reducing the solar heat gain on the top floor.