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Media Release |
26 October 2005 |
The Sustainable Renovation Trends: Water, Energy, Space and Privacy
The New South Wales Government's water restrictions and environmental reforms to make homes water efficient and energy efficient will be the focus today when Archicentre officially opens its Mosman Green project at lunchtime.
The benchmark two year project built as a sustainable renovation showcase will be officially opened by Mr Chris Johnson, the New South Wales Director of Urban Renewal.
The renovation has been designed to be water self sufficient only using mains water as a back up and painted with special interior paint which will assist in saving up to 17% t to 25% in energy bills.
Archicentre at the launch will release the details of an environmental survey of over 3500 Australians who were asked how they would spend $10,000 if they had the choice of a Plasma Screen, Solar Energy Panels or a Water Tank.
Mosman Green - view from North West
Mr David Lawrence, State Manager of Archicentre NSW & ACT said: "A key feature of the Mosman Green project is the 30,000 litre invisible water tank, which holds as much water as the average backyard swimming pool, designed into the home. The water tank is lined to provide potable (drinking) quality water for the house's water management system."
As with country residences the tank will supply all the house's water needs with mains supply only as a back up.
Mr Lawrence said, the use of 4 to 5 'A' rated fittings and appliances adds to the efficiency of water use and the total system is both a cost effective and simple approach which will be easy to maintain.
"As Sydney's water shortage becomes more critical it is vital that the older housing stock is renovated to become more water and energy efficient.
"We believe Mosman Green is a perfect example where water can be harvested from a roof in an innovative manner without compromising design," Mr Lawrence said.
"With increased population densities being planned for in capital cities, coupled with no new dams on the horizon for economic and environmental reasons, it is vital that the harvesting of roof water is promoted as a major strategy for urban sustainability."
* Water efficiency and roof harvesting.
* Solar energy use
* The clever use of private and public space to maximize lifestyle quality.