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Demonstration 'Green House' to give public ideas

Queensland's Maroochy Shire is taking advantage of the initiative of a local couple who have built a home demonstrating the value of environmentally friendly building techniques.

The house has been designed to use recycled materials, angled rooflines and many other techniques to minimise energy demands and create a healthier living environment. Council has negotiated to rent the house for a two month period so it can be opened to the public three days a week in conjunction with the Eumundi Country Markets.

Owner Terry Harper said with the average house producing about eight tonnes of greenhouse gases each year and costing far more to operate than necessary, he and his wife built their home to demonstrate the benefits of 'green housing'.

"Working with Maroochy Shire we hope to use the house to promote the adoption of energy efficiency and sustainable design principles more broadly in the community," he said. Plans for the house include inspections, workshops and eventually short term holiday use to allow people to 'live-in and learn'.

The house received the 1999 Sunshine Coast Environment Council Award for 'Most Ecologically Sustainable Building'. Its more than 30 environment friendly design features include solar panels for power and hot water, a composting toilet, water tanks and low toxic finishes.

Wooden louvres, clerestory windows and overhanging eaves control incoming sunlight, catch breezes and allow warm air to escape. Innovative ideas include floor vents positioned behind the fridge allowing cool air to vent from the cellar improving the fridge's efficiency.

At the opening of Harper House, Mayor Don Culley said this is an extension of Council's own drive towards encouraging residents to reduce greenhouse emissions.

For further information contact Environmental Officer, Nathan Ross, telephone (07) 5441 8358

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