THE SOLARHOME PROJECT

DRAWINGS  WILL  BE  AVAILABLE  FOR  PURCHASE  BEFORE  THE  END  OF  2026

SIMPLIFYING  THE  BUILDING  &  TENDERING  PROCESS

The complete set of detailed construction drawings for each design consists of 20 pages in PDF format to scale when printed on A3 sheets.  Included with the drawings is a 3-page Excel file which contains detailed cost estimates, a well organised materials order list in a format which can be given to major building suppliers such as Bunnings  and Mitre10  (who will usually be willing to quote on everything required to complete the whole project), plus a comprehensive list of items which are best selected by the owner (things such as windows and doors, kitchen cabinets and benchtops, sinks, taps, light fittings, flooring etc).  This sort of information gives the owner more understanding and control over the components and materials cost and makes the whole building process simpler and more transparent for both the owner and builder - which helps prevent the misunderstandings, uncertainty, and lack of clarity which often causes the stress, disputes, and cost blowouts of most building projects.  Owners will also find it much easier to get quotes from tradesmen and/or builders who will only have to estimate their labour cost and don't have to spend time compiling materials order lists, estimating costs, and worrying about (and loading their quotes to cover) potential cost increases.  Nor are builders likely to spend the time and effort searching for bargains, which an owner will be incentivised to do (and may well enjoy) for their own interest and benefit.

THE   APPROVAL   PROCESS

The detailed construction drawings available on this website are prepared by a certified building designer, so in most parts of Australia can be submitted to local Council for approval as is, with the addition of a site plan by a local surveyor, an engineer's certificate, and whatever else your particular Council requires.  However, some alterations may be required to satisfy local conditions, materials availability, and owners' preferences.  But before purchasing the design package a landowner needs to firstly check with their local Council to find out if a small home like this is allowable on your selected plot of land, secondly, find a local carpenter/builder who is prepared to build it, and thirdly, engage a local building certifier who can guide you through the approval process.  A refund on the cost of these drawings is not possible if you change your mind or don't proceed with building.

THE  SOLARHOME  DESIGNS

The SOLARHOME designs offered for sale on this website utilise fibre-cement sheet and hardwood external wall cladding, a 5-degree skillion roof suitable for corrugated steel, and an elevated timber-framed floor supported by galvanised steel posts, making them suitable for level, sloping, undulating, or poorly drained sites without requiring extensive earthworks. However, if more suitable for the site, they can be built on a concrete floor slab, and other cladding materials can be used if preferred.

ENERGY  EFFICIENCY  &  THERMAL  COMFORT

If correctly orientated on the site, and with good quality insulation and airtight construction, these compact buildings will require very little energy to be thermally comfortable throughout the year in most parts of Australia.  In summer, no glazing on the west and east walls and north-facing glazing, with a 2.4-metre roof overhang of the covered veranda plus side walls, prevents direct solar access to the interior of the house when the summer sun is predominantly from the east, west, and directly overhead.  Crossflow ventilation through highlight windows on the southern wall and convection-driven exhaust vents (whirlybirds) provide continuous passive air movement at all times of the year as warmer air is constantly drawn upwards and out. So, the house will remain relatively cool on even the hottest days. 

In winter, well-insulated walls, ceiling, and floor, and a compact design minimises heat loss so that the entire house can be kept warm with internal heat gains from occupants and appliances, with the assistance of solar gains from winter sun access when the midday sun is lower in the northern sky, plus a small heater if required.  With all doors and windows tightly shut in winter, fresh air can be drawn in through an adjustable air vent in the floor under the heater.  This continuous air movement will also help prevent internal condensation.  However, the actual energy rating of the building will depend on the R-value and airtightness of the windows and the specific insulation material used, plus the overall airtightness of the structure, which depends on the builder's attention to detail.