The Ideal Sustainable Suburban Home
What would it take to re-model a normal suburban home into a sustainable eco-home?
That’s what this new page is dedicated to exploring. I am going to be researching all of the modifications that can be made to a regular home - and detailing them here - complete with products, pricing, and discussion.
Why? For two reasons. One - I want to undertake this project myself when I buy my own home, so why not do the research now, so that I’m ready to go when that time comes? Two - to share what I find with others and become a useful resource for others who want to do the same!
I’d love for you to get involved! How? By telling us what you would want in your dream sustainable home, and telling us about the changes you have made, how they have worked, and how much they cost/save!
Check back regularly for updates - this is an ongoing project, folks!
The Ideal Sustainable Suburban Home
To begin… our list of desirable modifications…
- Solar Hot Water
- Solar Power
- Tanks
- Greywater System
- Toilet-top Sink
- Compost Chute? (is there such a thing…
- Insulation
- Contained Fireplace
- Eco Light Bulbs
Keep updated on the page I’ve created!!
July 11 2008 07:02 pm | Uncategorized
July 11th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
This sounds very interesting. It’s something I become curious about periodically, but tend to let it slide because I haven’t got time to research it. So I’ll be checking out your page regularly.
I’ve tagged you for a Six Word Memoir theme. No pressure to do it though - only if you want
July 11th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Excellent! Hmm, six word memoir eh? Sounds intriguing.
How about…
“She read and she learned much.”
Good enough for a first attempt
July 11th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
If you’ve ever seen the UK show Outrageous Wasters, they install hand-made compost/recycling chutes into most homes - through a handy (kitchen usually) window, that flow into containers under the window but hidden under a flower box that has vegie/herb seedlings.
Check out the June/July Grass Roots mag, page 11 for an ad for a decent looking solar hot water heater for under $500.
Eaves! Houses without eaves are so uncomfortable!
July 12th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Jayne, that’s just what I was thinking of! Perhaps a do-it-yourself job?
And could you tell me the name of the company with the $500 water heater?
And yes - Eaves. I can’t STAND all these new McMansion style homes with NO eaves that completely rely on air-conditioning for climate control. So silly here in Queensland…
July 13th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Orientation of the house (solar passive design) - I’ve just moved to Hobart and so I’m now impressed by how important this can be.
Design that takes into account air flow - or the need to restrict: spaces that can be isolated to heat or cool - open plan can be terrible depending on the climate.
Composting toilet.
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:00 am
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October 16th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Hi Jess,
I was wondering if you know of any examples of suburban homes that have in fact been converted to eco-homes. I am working on my Architecture thesis about designing a series of adaptations that can be done to the typical suburban home to make it self-reliant.
Any info would be great!!!
Thanks a million,
Corey
October 17th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Hi Corey,
Check out http://www.bellis.info/
This is a fantastic example! I don’t know if you’re Aussie, but if you are, you may know Jerry Coleby-Williams, from Gardening Australia. He and his partner moved to Brisbane a few years ago, and put a lot of time and money into converting a typical ‘Queenslander’ into a sustainable suburban home. I’m sure they’d be more than happy to help you!
Hope this helps
Jess