Zero Energy Home

Mirboo

CLIENTS
MR. COLIN GOODWIN | MS. LIBBY ANTHONY

BRIEF
A sustainable energy-efficient straw bale home which used the existing timber post and beam structure and maintaining comfortable indoor air temperatures.

HOUSE DESCRIPTION
The existing post and beam structure was incorporated into the new floor plan layout designed to meet the clients' specific requirements and to maximize passive solar performance. Straw bale infill walls were positioned between timber posts. Straw bales have a high level of insulation with an R-value of approximately 5, but significant amounts of heat can be lost through air infiltration, and through cracks and gaps in the walls and around window and door frames. To prevent this happening loose straw was packed around the window and timber frames. Brick piers encased the timber posts on the north facade and living spaces on the north side of the home open onto the north terrace under a vine-covered pergola.