Off-Grid Passive Solar Home

Located in open farmland near Hepburn Springs & Daylesford, on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, this new all-electric home is what off-grid dreams are made of. The simple skillion roof & broad eaves face directly north for optimum passive solar design. The highly insulated envelope achieves a cosy 7.2 star energy rating, meaning no air-con is required in summer while winter warmth is provided by a combination wood burner / boiler that also powers in-slab hydronic floor heating. All electricity is generated on-site via 5kW solar PV & a 3.5kW wind turbine linked to battery storage. With no gas & all rain water collected in 3 x 22,000L tanks, this is a fully independent off-grid home. 

The owners built much of their dream home themselves, with some assistance such as the stone mason who painstakingly laid the dry-stone base walls from rocks collected on-site. Rusty 'corten' steel mixed with Ironbark cladding complement the natural surroundings and will weather beautifully in time. Internally, the ceiling is lined with natural timber while all walls are painted lining boards - no plasterboard to be seen! A number of up-cycled elements such as the refurbished cooker & an old steel workbench provide a wonderful layer of interest in the kitchen. But best of all are the board views across the unmistakably Australian landscape which can been seen from each & every room of this stunning home. 

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Photos by Rachel Lewis Photography