Mt Eden Eco-Renovation and Additions

Two poorly designed earlier additions to the rear of the existing bungalow were removed and replaced with a new passive solar designed addition. During winter the sun penetrates deeply into the house through north facing glazed doors. The exposed tiles draw the sun's heat into the thermal mass of the insulated concrete floor slab which in turn provides warmth during the evening. When the sun is lower during mid-winter, a vertical surface can be more effective than a horizontal one in capturing the sun’s heat. In the kitchen the north facing side of the island bench absorbs warmth while protecting the kitchen cabinetry behind it from direct sunlight. The existing double garage and its associated concrete drive and turning areas, which were taking up a large part of the backyard, were removed and a new internal access double garage closer to the road was added, reducing driveway area. Provision has been made in the new structure for a future partial upper level.

Finished view from the street with original house shown in inset (south)

Finished view from backyard with original house shown in inset (north)

Exposed tiles over concrete provide thermal mass for passive solar gain

When the sun is lower during mid-winter, a vertical surface can be more effective than a horizontal one for capturing the sun’s heat. In the kitchen, a tiled concrete north facing side of the island bench absorbs warmth while protecting the kitchen cabinetry behind it from direct sunlight.

The tiled concrete vertical face of the breakfast bar adds to thermal mass

Original Floor Plan

New Floor Plan