Energy Efficiency and Solar Passive Design Clever design orients Hillside to west-north-west, to maximise both the magnificent views to the west and to try to take some advantge of the northern sun. Placement of floor to ceiling windows on the western face orient the living areas to west-north-west, with rooms staggered to maximise northern sun penetration. Carefully calculated eave overhangs to the north and west, together with a solar pergola and other mechanical shading to the west to shade the western windows, allow winter sun penetration from the north, whilst minimising the effects of the summer sun exposure from the west. All doors and windows have been positioned to achieve cross ventilation in summer and allow cooler late afternoon and evening breezes to rid the house of any minimal heat which may have accumulated during the day. Draught excluders will be installed along the bottom edges of doors and ceiling strips will be fitted around doors and windows. The design also features high set windows to allow any hot air to be vented. The high thermal mass of the sandwich wall panels together with polished concrete floors allows for heat to be absorbed during the day in winter, and to be released into the night, maintaining a constant temerature throughout. In summer, it has the opposite effect, by direct sun not entering the house and thereby not taking on heat load. Energy Efficiency and Electricity Generation To further reduce Hillside's reliance on electricity from the main power grid, a series of photovoltaic solar panels will be added to the roof. It is anticipated that these panels will generate more than enough electricity to cater for the dwelling's use. Any excess power will be returned to the main power grid. Energy Efficiency and Rainwater Harvesting and Water Re-use Installation of a 95,500L rainwater tank, combined with Adelaide's average annual rainfall of 500mm per year falling on Hillside's 360 square metre roof, is anticipated to see the tank capturing 180,000L per year, thereby holding sufficient capacity throughout the year to service at least 78% of the water requirements of a family of four. Treatment and reuse of grey water from the entire house (with Nubian's Oasis grey water treatment system) will provide water for above surface garden irrigation as well as toilet flushing. SA Health is still to come into line with other States in relation to the use of treated grey water and until this happens, treated grey water cannot be stored nor can it be used for above surface irrigation or toilet flushing. Given that SA is the driest State in Australia, we urge SA Health to apply common sense to the problem. Until then Hillside will be plumbed ready to use Oasis to its maximum capacity. Rainwater harvesting combined with grey water re-use, means that Hillside will in fact provide 100% of its own water needs. Energy Efficiency and Appliances, Fittings and Lighting Further energy savings are ensured by the use of a heat pump hot water system and in-slab floor heating, to maximise thermal mass benefits of the walls and floors. Energy ratings have been a major consideration in making the selection of appliances, and kitchen hotplates are of an induction variety which run on electro-magnetic radiation. Even the air conditioning system is energy efficient! Due to careful design and planning, only minimal light fittings will be needed inside Hillside. The need for artificial lighting is greatly reduced by window placement which maximises solar use when required and the incorporation of a suspended vaulted ceiling in the core of the home. After dark, illumination is to be provided by low energy compact fluorescent lighting combined with LED lighting. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 
Fire Safety and Wall Construction: Precast Sandwich Panels The 'Thermomass' precast concrete sandwich panel system is fire rated to four hours. Sandwich panels will be manufactured by Bianco Precast. Double Glazed Toughened Glass Window Systems With the Western face of Hillside directly facing the natural bushland, Trend Windows' CSIRO-tested and rated Xtreme system of double glazed, toughened glass has been chosen. Fire Safety and Gutter Guards AllClear Leafguard gutter guards will be fitted to ensure minimal build-up of debris in gutters. Made from Colorbond Steel, they will not melt. 
Fire Safety and Sprinklers To exceed local CFS requirements, in-ground fire sprinklers will be fitted. Fire Safety and Landscaping Considerations Several methods are being used by the Heyne's Nurseries team to ensure that Hillside's landscaping minimises both its need for water as well as its exposure to possible firefront danger and follows permaculture principles. To minimise the risk from fire, areas around the dwelling are cleared, with the house being surrounded by honed concrete living spaces. A wall of trees along the western face will serve as a wind and fire break to slow a firefront and act as a heat absorber and ember catcher. Where possible, drought tolerant and fire retardant plants are being selected. Fire Safety and Water Catchment A 95,500L rainwater tank, as well as treated and stored grey water and a 3m x 16m lap pool will provide ample water for local fire fighting crews. | 
