After 20 years demonstrating sustainable design, environmental scientist & well known ABC TV Gardening Australia presenter Josh Byrne has undertaken his most ambitious project to date – the building of two affordable 10 star energy efficient family homes.
Josh Byrne says, “We set out to demonstrate that it is possible to build a sustainable home at a similar cost and time frame as regular houses by using readily available materials and technologies.”
The Josh’s House design will result in a staggering 90% reduction of a typical home’s energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and it will use only one third of the scheme water. It will also lead to savings of around $3,500 per year in energy, water and grocery bills.
Built in the Fremantle suburb of Hilton, construction of the houses commenced in December 2012 and was completed in June 2013 on time and on budget.
‘’The most important thing for me is to have created a home for my family that embodies all of the things that I believe in. It gives me great comfort to know that my children will grow up in a home that is healthy to live in and efficient to run. For them, solar passive design, rainwater harvesting, solar power and organic food will be the norm.’’ says Josh.
On Sunday the 8th of September from 10am to 4pm Josh will be closing off the street and opening the doors of his family home to the public.
In a realistic setting and in a carnival community atmosphere Josh’s House will be showcasing the very best in sustainable design and technology. As well as presentations by Josh, you can meet the project partners who helped to design and build the houses, and have an in-depth chat about how they can help make your home more sustainable.
There will also be tours through the homes leading you to discover such topics as solar passive design, universal access, renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse and productive landscaping. Entry to Josh’s House is $5 with kids under 16 free.
If you want to see what Josh’s House is all about, check out www.joshshouse.com.au
