Wardle, in close partnership with the client, has crafted Limestone House, epitomising the pinnacle of sustainable design principles.
Sustainability
The client aspired to create a residence capable of self-sufficiency, generating and fulfilling its requirements on-site while minimising its ecological footprint. Following the exacting sustainability criteria of Passivhaus and Living Building Challenge, Wardle’s architects painstakingly developed a living environment that seamlessly integrates natural materials, optimises daylight, and encourages natural ventilation.
Passivhaus’s design principles emphasise air tightness and insulation to reduce energy loss from thermal transfer. Employing high-performance insulation and triple-glazed windows, the project ensures exceptional thermal efficiency. Throughout construction, air tightness underwent rigorous testing at multiple intervals to ensure optimal performance.
The Living Building Challenge program enriches sustainability efforts by incorporating comprehensive measures concerning water and energy storage. Limestone House effectively manages its water and wastewater on-site while also employing a photovoltaic cell system with battery storage to fulfil its energy requirements entirely, thus achieving self-sufficiency in resource management.
The construction materials were carefully selected from sources within Australia, reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation. Among these materials are Mt Gambier limestone cladding from South Australia, siltstone floor tiling from Queensland, and recycled Australian hardwoods for timber surfaces, all aligning with the house’s commitment to sustainability.
The design revolves around communal hubs like the kitchen and dining areas, seamlessly linked to external courtyards, perfect for hosting gatherings. Additionally, the inclusion of studies, a theatre room, and a roof garden provides abundant space for reflection and relaxation, fulfilling the brief to perfection.
Selecting Sun Shading
Wardle has established a longstanding partnership with Shade Factor, influencing the product choices in Limestone House to reflect Wardle’s design ethos of subtle hues, organic materials, and durable performance.
To regulate sunlight and enhance energy efficiency, external venetian blinds were strategically installed on all windows facing north, east, and west. These motorised blinds boast 80mm unbeaded slats with cable guidance, ensuring precise management of sunlight throughout the day. Finished in light bronze, the slats, bottom rails, and tension cable brackets harmonise with the overall project palette.
For internal sun management, Shade Factor’s internal roller blinds were selected, featuring room-darkening fabric in silk white to augment privacy and deflect solar radiation, thereby contributing to a comfortable indoor atmosphere.
At the apex of the staircase, an asymmetrical skylight is shielded by a roof-mounted Warema W20 conservatory awning. Crafted from durable white acrylic fabric and finished with a grey-white powder coat, this awning ensures both longevity and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Both the external conservatory awning and the motorised external venetians are integrated into a Warema Climatronic control system. This system tracks the sun’s trajectory and monitors weather conditions, aligning sun shading actions with energy-saving principles and optimising interior comfort.
Architect: Wardle
Builder: Sinjen
Videographer: Dan Preston
Products:
- External Venetian Blinds
- Internal Roller Blinds
- W20 Conservatory Awning
- with Warema Climatronic Control System
For more information
Shade Factor