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The sustainable house's unassuming facade.
First flush is accomplished with the ball rising to divert the water.
The PV array sits off of the roof helping to shade the summer sun.
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Community 'hot composting' bin. | |
| Michael Mobbs Sustainable House in Sydney, adapted in 1996, approaches sustainable net zero by being ecologically responsible to the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, water cycle and clean energy production. All within an urban setting. He was able to do this because he is an Environmental Lawyer with a purpose - "If we can not be sustainable in an urban setting, then there is no hope for humanity". |
| Sustainability |
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- Rain water collection, saving 100,000 liters per year being extracted from rivers. Returning the site back to its pre-development state of 80% storm water retention.
- Recycled Grey water, Saving 100,000 liters per year that would be used for irrigating the landscape.
- Onsite sewage treatment using the Dowmus Waste-water system. A wet compost system that is aerobic. A biotic system that includes worms, bugs and helpful bacteria. This technology is the next generation in composting toilets, only it occurs out back and underground.
- Solar Hot Water with gas back up. Roof mounted thermal siphon system with mirrored panels on three sides, increasing the efficiency during the low winter months.
- Photvoltaic Array, reducing annual carbon emissions by 8 tons. Integrated with the local electric grid and resulting in a net zero electrical usage.
- Energy Efficient Appliances that further reduce the typical demand for electricity. Lighting is augmented by daylighting strategies and efficient fixtures.
- Natural & Renewable Products. The use of 'plantation' wood, no formaldehyde and no PVC products was carefully placed in the construction contracts and certified during construction.
- Storm Water Retention and Treatment. Surface water and overflow from the rain water tank is directed to a 600 liter reed bed. This reduces the amount of oils and other surface pollutions being carried to our waterways by storms.
- Walkable, bike-able Urban setting. This key ingredient significantly reduces transportation expenses of non renewable resources and carbon emissions.
- Neighborhood composting program. Half a dozen 'hot composting' bins are scattered in the neighborhood and recently a part of the roadway was granted and abandoned for community gardening.
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Rainwater Collection System |
A 10,000 liter underground tank that is fed from the roof gutter system.
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Gutters (sample cross section in green)
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Plastic gutter with interior drainage fed through raised drain holes allow leaves & debris to float off.
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The Photo-voltaic system is found on two North facing Roofs (down under).
The Grey water is used to irrigate tiered landscaping.
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Energy Conservation
Alternative Energy
Small Power Generation
Green Building
Day Light Studies
Acoustic Studies
Displacement Ventilation
Indoor Air Quality
Storm Water Retention and Treatment
Rainwater, grey water and septic systems
Biodynamic Agriculture |
Vision
To design and build integrated systems that maximize the
efficiency of energy and environmental concerns, while maintaining high
standards for fire life & safety, accessibility and building life cycle
costs in a built environment that is architecturally inspiring. |
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Approaching a Sustainable Zero Net Energy PMP
Urban Sustainable
