Small house big on sustainability

Melbourne’s 5x4 Hayes Lane Project, located less than a kilometre from the CBD in East Melbourne, sends a powerful message about the future importance of solar energy, says the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

The project, built on a narrow strip of land with just a five- by four-metre footprint, is an eco-driven design and one of the first homes in Melbourne to generate, store and control its own power supply.

Its innovative design across four levels (three above ground including a rooftop garden) highlights a sustainable living approach, based on One Planet Living principles, which is well suited to inner city suburbs where smaller residential lots exist.

According to One Step off the Grid, the building is powered by 15 solar panels totalling 3.5 kW. Six of the panels are mounted vertically on the north-facing outside wall, with another nine in various angles on the rooftop, to create shading and to allow the sun in during winter.

NECA Chief Executive Officer Suresh Manickam has applauded the concept and called for a more innovative approach to residential housing solutions.

“These types of projects provide a glimpse of the future and we encourage greater opportunities for solar and other renewable energy use in the residential construction sector,” Manickam said.

“Home owners across Australia are embracing solar energy as a way to reduce electricity costs. This increase in demand has followed the reduction in installation costs for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.”

The home also uses little electricity due to its geothermal heat pump that provides ‘climate control’ (at 200 W) and the ‘airtight’ nature of the building.

Because the project is experimental and innovative, all the designs, processes and materials are shared on the project’s website to inform and benefit the construction industry.

“NECA believes that further opportunities exist to educate consumers about the importance of renewable energy and we know that consumers are keen to be seen as environmental citizens to make greater use of renewable products,” added Manickam.

Click here to view the project’s website and building images.

Image credit: © iStockphoto.com/Daniel Schoenen