Jaime, Ahmed and May spoke to Sarah
Robertson about Issue 23 of Sanctuary Magazine: Renos and Retrofits on a budget.
Sarah is the associated editor of the Sanctuary Magazine from the AlternativeTechnology Association. The alternative technology association is a not-for-profit
organization providing independent advice about sustainable solutions for home
owners and members.
 |
| Issue 23, courtesy of the ATA |
The Merrick house in the Mornington
Peninsula is one of the houses featured in the latest issue. Having already
participating in environmental sustainability through landcare works, the
family sought environmental design features when the house was extended.
Looking like a long thin box, the house is separated into 2 wings with the
kitchen located in the middle of the house. The house is passively designed to
make the most of its views and minimize the need for heating and cooling. The
house faces the north, allowing the northern sun to heat the home. The house
features solar panels, water tank, double glazing, sustainable timber and low
volatile organic compound paint.
Sarah gave some handy tips about
retrofitting kitchens and bathrooms. She recommends using as much recycled
material as possible. If using recycled timber, Sarah suggest measuring how
deep you would like your benches to be to ensure that your appliances will fit.
If you are buying new appliances, look into run out appliances, end of season
stock and energy rating.
With new homes built to an average of 6
stars, it’s certainly good to hear about the 8 star home in the tropics that maximises
the breeze to cool down the house.
As usual we digressed and chatted about the
budget, soccer and social issues.
Sadly May is leaving us for a while as she
has found a temporary position. We look forward to have May back some time soon.
To learn more about renos and retrofits on
a budget and green homes, don’t forget to listen to the podcast and look at the latest
issue of Sanctuary.
Tracks Played:
John Coltrane Quartet- Giant Steps
Sea lakes- Morse Code
Medisky Wood -Hey Hee Hi Ho
The Transatlantics- A Man Like That
Killer him
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