Breamlea Residence 2005

Nestled into the back of the primary sand dune, the Breamlea Residence is a remarkable transformation of a dark, cold treated pine log cabin into a sun drenched new home.The renovation reuses the original concrete slab and a small part of the original residence to seamlessly create the new residence.

The ‘5 star’ rating for energy efficiency was achieved by incorporating:

• passive solar design principles (orientation, internal zoning)
• thermal mass (retention of the existing concrete slab) to provide thermal stability double glazing to windows and doors
• R3.5 insulation to new and existing ceilings/roofs
• extensive use of draught sealing
• the use of a high efficiency heat pump solar hot water system to provide ‘on demand’ hot water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 60%

The house incorporates numerous water efficiency and rainwater harvesting techniques such as:

• the installation of 3 star showerheads and tap ware
• collection of roof water runoff into a rain water tank to provide garden and household needs
• reuse of waste water for garden watering via subsurface irrigation and appropriate landscape plantings

The design makes use of sustainable materials in it’s construction and fit-out by:

• utilising plantation and sustainably harvested timber for structural, joinery (windows and cabinets) and external purposes
• maximising the use of ‘low toxicity’ water based finishes and waxes for polished timber floors

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