Nelson House
Location | Wright, ACT Completed | November 2013
EER | 7.8 stars Area | 100m²
Builder | Jigsaw Housing Images | Rod Vargas
Modular approach, singular home
Nelson House expresses the personality of its occupants and, in keeping with their brief, feels spacious, airy and full of natural light.
Our pre-designed and tested series of living, sleeping and utility modules formed the starting point for the home’s layout. These were configured to make the most of the home’s site and orientation, and then adapted to suit the client’s preferences – from materials and finishes to appliances and optional inclusions. The result is a highly energy-efficient, cost-effective and comfortable home.
The open plan kitchen and dining area opens on to an outdoor entertaining space and garden that runs the length of the northern facade, seamlessly connecting the inside with the outdoors. Customised joinery throughout the home, including a clever study nook, maximises every space. And street-facing timber-slatted panels integrate the entry gate and carport while providing much-needed protection from the western sun.
Importantly, the client – who attended our first community forum on sustainable, affordable housing – was involved at every step of the design process: choosing preferred modules, tailoring fittings and finishes, and selecting inclusions to improve the energy efficiency of her home.
Key features
2 bed, 2 living & 1 bath
450m² relatively flat site with north to the side
Single carport (integrated with front facade)
Customised joinery including hall storage and integrated study desks
Floor finishes: concrete, tiles and carpet
North facing pergola/entertainment area
Tailored to the site and designed to our client's brief and budget using our Light House Modular approach
Sustainability
EER 7.8 stars
Aluminium-PVC composite double glazing
R1 insulated concrete slab
R2.5 insulation to exterior walls
R1.5 insulation to internal walls
R5 insulation to the roof space
Air leakage minimised, well-sealed building envelope
Passive solar heat gain supplemented with small reverse cycle air conditioning unit
Ceiling fans and cross ventilation for cooling
Evacuated tube solar hot water
Rainwater tank
“The first thing I would like to say is I love my house! It is a real pleasure to live in a house that works so well and is so comfortable. The recent very hot weather was a real test and coming home after a 40+ degree day at the end of a week of 40 degree temperatures, my house was a very reasonable 25 degrees inside before turning on any cooling. I have been in my home for 3 months now and it still puts a smile on my face!”