Energy efficient retrofit, Manly, NSW

The top floor of the house is a passive solar structure partly of recycled building material. The photovoltaic panels on the roof supply electricity to the grid while the solar hot water system reduces household energy consumption. Large areas of glass face sunward to admit the low winter sun (minimum midwinter altitude - c32 degrees) but are sheltered from the hot sun of summer days. The reeds (Australis fragmites) visible in front of the house are part of the greywater system that irrigates the garden. The house features a composting toilet and a 22,000 litre rainwater tank - the house is not connected to city water. Fruit trees are grown in the backyard and native plants in the front garden. Location: Manly, NSW (coastal Sydney - 33° 55' south latitude; 151° 17' east longitude). Climate: Coastal warm temperate. Home owner: Kelah Lam, waste minimisation advocate and member of Permaculture North.

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