240 Duffy St, Ainslie ACT 2602

The first of its kind, the product of a vision to push environmental boundaries and a desire to contribute in a positive manner to the real issues surrounding water, energy and climate change. The sustainable.house has proven that it is possible to create a self-sufficient, sustainable family home in a residential setting.

Architecturally custom-built to high specification, the home is an early adopter of eco-friendly design. Entirely solar-passive, perfect northern orientation and thoughtful garden design enhances winter sunshine and summer shade, the residence is meticulously crafted for year-round comfort.

The seamlessly integrated filtration system and 90,000L tank fully supply clean, fresh water, which in turn passes through a grey water recycling process and reed bed for re-use in the garden. The home stands alone by its innovation and its carbon neutral footprint.

Set amongst the leafy backdrop of Mount Ainslie, the integral relationship between house and garden speaks to the civic-mindedness of the original Canberra suburbs. The ethos and principles of permaculture underpin the impressive kitchen garden, over 100m2 of seasonal vegetables and herbs planted in the extensive vegetable gardens. Citrus, stone and orchard fruits adorn the block in over 35 varieties across 40 individual trees, kept in company with berry plantings and flowers.

Enjoy fresh pizzas from the custom-built pizza oven with family and friends on the recently paved area or under the wide verandah providing protection from the elements. Taking in the greenery and fresh air, picking aromatic herbs in Spring sunshine, sharing delicious meals from garden to plate with loved ones; an inspired, joyful and connected way of living.

features.

.carbon neutral family home in a wonderful reserve-backing Ainslie position

.open plan living, dining and kitchen area with timber joinery throughout

.large kitchen with island bench, plenty of storage, oven, cooktop and dishwasher

.adjoining study with. built-in shelving

.steps through living to hallway and accomodation wing

.large main bedroom with walk-in robe and ensuite

.bedrooms two and three with built-in robes

main bathroom with bathtub, shower, toilet and vanity

.separate laundry

.double garage with internal access

.beautifully maintained kitchen garden with variety of herbs, fruits and vegetables

.excellent location near Ainslie Shops. Mount Ainslie, Ainslie Primary School, Campbell High School, public transport, ANU and the city

solar passive design.

.perfect solar northern orientation

.eaves designed to allow maximum winter sunshine and limit summer sun

.1:5 ratio of north facing double glazed windows to thermal mass

.100mm styrofoam insulation and wall bats to maintain a comfortable temperature year round

..small electric heater is used in living, for only 3-7 days per year

.slab coupled to ground to utilitise consistent 16 degree Canberra ground

.thermal envelope enhanced by wing insulation to concrete slab, extending 500mm deep and 1m horizontally around the house

water supply and filtration.

.90,000L rainwater tank supplying all home needs

.water filtered through double gutters, first flush diverters, sump with three graded stainless steel filters

.first approved composting WC with fan to eliminate odours

.innovative biological greywater treatment system allowing water reuse in the garden

.kitchen water filtered through grease trap to join grey water

.grey water flows through aerated filter and pumped through to reed bed

.reed bed filters greywater over 5 days into large recycled water holding tank used for garden irrigation

accessibility features.

.level thresholds throughout

.wider than standard doors

.thoughtfully placed switched and door handles

.turning areas for wheelchair access

.large light and GPO switches

.provision for a stair lifter

additional features

.1.75kw grid connect solar system, coupled with high end efficient appliances

.evacuate tube solar hot water with gas instantaneous boost (used only a few weeks per year)

.PVC-free construction, polyethylene plumbing and halogen free electrical cabling

.kitchen garden orchard plantings based on permaculture design, over 100m2 of vegetable and herb gardens, 40 individual fruit trees of 35 varieties, numerous berry plants

.Canberra's Sustainable House is not connected to mains water or the ACT sewerage network. It collects and uses all of it's rain water, and stormwater on site, treats all of its "greywater" using on site energy efficient infrastructure and also utilises a waterless composting toilet

.the first approved waterless composting toilet in residential Canberra

.winners of the ACT Sustainable Cities Award 2007

EER: 6.0

Land size: 1,085m2 (approx.)

Living size: 186.6m2 (approx.)

Land value: $920,000

Land rates: $6,305 pa (approx.)

Year built: 2006 (approx.)