The Gillam House - Mount Evelyn Victoria

The house is a two-storey, double brick passive solar home. The climate is cool temperature and the
region experiences relatively wide fluctuations in temperature and humidity over the four seasons.
Temperature can range between 5 and 45 Degrees Celsius but the house is so efficient in its design
that the inside of the home never goes below 12 or above 26 degrees. The house's designer
and owner, Colin says that the house's orientation is very good.
"The house faces north to gain maximum solar access."

Insulation: Very high levels of insulation in the walls and ceiling.
Thermal Storage: High level of thermal mass (concrete and brickwork)
Natural Ventilation Paths: Good natural ventilation through roof windows.
External walls: Double brick downstairs, reversed brick veneer upstairs.
Zoning: The living areas are zoned to the front (sunny) side and the wet
areas and sleeping areas are located along the southern section.
Glazing/windows: Clerestorey roof windows facing north for
maximum solar gain to the rear sections of the house.

Special features: The garden is surviving through this period of tough drought conditions
by using water from a large rainwater tank under the house. With a mass of 10 tonnes
of water, the tank is also a great buffer against temperature variations.
Energy Rating/consumption data: The occupants are in the process of collecting actual
consumption data but it has been noticed that the downstairs office never goes
below 16 Degrees Celsius in winter or above 22 Degrees Celsius
in summer with no additional heating or cooling.

During a 43 degree-day in summer, the neighbours (a builder and his family) had their
ducted air-conditioning running all day and couldn't keep the temperature any lower
than 31 degrees. Colin said he “felt smug sitting in his cool house, thinking about his
design achievements and secure in the knowledge of a job well done.”

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For Professional Advice on passive solar design
Check the Solar Sisters website: www.solarsisters.com.au

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For another great example of passive solar design, click here