The building of Budgeree House
With the build of Budgeree House came the start of a new life. We decided to be owner builders to save money, but what we became to realise was that it also meant that we had far greater control in ensuring a more sustainable and energy efficient future. This process, that continues to unfold each day, has been a really positive influence on our lifes and for that alone we are incredibly grateful. If you planning to build in the future, you may want to consider owner building, as you'll be surprised how straightforward the process can be.
The construction of Budgeree House commenced in 2007 and was completed in 2009. The design is classic Victorian, with 2.4m wide verandas, 10' high ceilings and the main roof having a pitch of 30 degrees. This is a Pavilion Courtyard kit home of just over 19 squares, supplied by Harkaway Homes of Officer, Victoria.
Budgeree House implements a range of sustainable technologies that compliment and support our busy lifestyle whilst reducing our footprint on the planet. In summary these sustainable techonogies and systems include:
1) A hybrid solar and wind power generation system;
2) A hybrid solar and wood fired in-slab hydronic heating system;
3) A polished concrete slab floor that provides thermal mass and effective passive heating and cooling. This floor was polished using the HiPERFLOOR (TM) system. Our e-book, entitled Polished Concrete Secrets, contains detailed information of planning and construction activities, detailed costings, a detailed schedule and a phot gallery capturing every step of the process. An invaluable wealth of information for anyone needing to know more about polished concrete. Take a peek at Polished Concrete Secrets especially if you are planning to build a new home and are considering a concrete slab floor;
4) A solar only domestic hot water system;
5) Innovative interior design features that utilise recycled materials; and
6) Slow combustion, "always on" , cooking provided from a 1946 two oven Aga that has been converted for timber use.
Budgeree House in many cases uses readily available building materials and techniques, and was straightforward to construct. The exterior colour scheme is made up of five Colorbond colours. We believe the colour scheme helps to help our home to "still well" on the land and complements the natural surroundings in Budgeree.
We would like to thank all that have cared, both past and present, for the beautiful and peaceful place where Budgeree House now stands. Without them, none of what we have achieved would have been possible.
The construction of Budgeree House commenced in 2007 and was completed in 2009. The design is classic Victorian, with 2.4m wide verandas, 10' high ceilings and the main roof having a pitch of 30 degrees. This is a Pavilion Courtyard kit home of just over 19 squares, supplied by Harkaway Homes of Officer, Victoria.
Budgeree House implements a range of sustainable technologies that compliment and support our busy lifestyle whilst reducing our footprint on the planet. In summary these sustainable techonogies and systems include:
1) A hybrid solar and wind power generation system;
2) A hybrid solar and wood fired in-slab hydronic heating system;
3) A polished concrete slab floor that provides thermal mass and effective passive heating and cooling. This floor was polished using the HiPERFLOOR (TM) system. Our e-book, entitled Polished Concrete Secrets, contains detailed information of planning and construction activities, detailed costings, a detailed schedule and a phot gallery capturing every step of the process. An invaluable wealth of information for anyone needing to know more about polished concrete. Take a peek at Polished Concrete Secrets especially if you are planning to build a new home and are considering a concrete slab floor;
4) A solar only domestic hot water system;
5) Innovative interior design features that utilise recycled materials; and
6) Slow combustion, "always on" , cooking provided from a 1946 two oven Aga that has been converted for timber use.
Budgeree House in many cases uses readily available building materials and techniques, and was straightforward to construct. The exterior colour scheme is made up of five Colorbond colours. We believe the colour scheme helps to help our home to "still well" on the land and complements the natural surroundings in Budgeree.
We would like to thank all that have cared, both past and present, for the beautiful and peaceful place where Budgeree House now stands. Without them, none of what we have achieved would have been possible.
