Project Details

The Challenge

Harper House is set on 1.25 acres of revegetated farmland in the centre of Eumundi, about 80 minutes north of Brisbane, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. The house, made of earth brick and recycled wood, is the result of determination by its owners, Terry & Liesl Harper, to meet their lifestyle needs by incorporating all the modern conveniences into an aesthetically pleasing home which has minimal detrimental impact on the environment.

Some of the house's more obvious features include solar power panels and solar hot water systems on the roof, a composting toilet, water tanks and garden watering systems, low toxic finishes, earth bricks, and to make you feel green - a glass walled inside/outside shower.

The house faces north to enjoy the winter sun. To reduce the heat of summer, it uses wooden louvres, overhanging eaves, and clerestory windows to control incoming sunlight, catch breezes, and allow warm air to escape.

Details

1. Building type: Detached residential

2. Building floor area (m2): ?

3. Number of occupants: Designed for 6 but currently visitors only

4. Nature of occupancy (hours per week, days per week): Continual occupancy in the longer term

5. Activities carried out within building: Currently used as a demonstration home by Maroochy Council. Normal domestic activities in the longer term.

6. Number of storeys: One

7. Building address: Eumundi, Sunshine Coast

8. Owner occupied or tenanted: Owner occupied in the longer term

9. New or refurbished building: New building incorporating recycled material

10. Completion date: February 2000