The home is an important part of Quattro: The New Queens Park, an urban renewal project being undertaken by the Department of Housing and Works, Peet Limited and the City of Canning.
Department of Housing and Works Director General John Coles, who officially opened the home, said he was particularly proud to officially launch a project that embodies all the exciting work the Department and its partners are now doing.
“Quattro will be another excellent example of the Department’s commitment to delivering more affordable housing lots, so more families and first homebuyers can realise their dreams,” Mr Coles said.
“It will also demonstrate how the Department’s urban renewal program can completely transform suburbs and the lives of people who live there.”
Mr Coles said the home demonstrates how sustainable practices can be incorporated into modern building designs in a highly affordable and practical way.
“The project partners are committed to sustainable development and the home is a great resource for people seeking information about what they can do in their own home to have a positive impact on the environment,” Mr Coles said.
Following the official proceedings guests were treated to a healthy lunch and tours of the home. The lunch menu reflected the produce found in the home’s edible garden and was prepared to highlight the benefits of incorporating a productive garden into the family home.
Designed by Solar Dwellings and built by Redink Homes, the Quattro Sustainable Home achieves an impressive 7-star rating for thermal performance.
It features 185sqm of living space including an open plan living area located to the rear, and a multifunctional living space at the front of the home.
Solar Dwellings Director Griff Morris said true passive solar design was a challenge with the Quattro Sustainable Home, given the constraints of the block.
“It is a great demonstration of what can be achieved on a ‘non-ideal’ block,” he said. “Many existing blocks in Perth face the same challenge so it was important for us to show that a naturally comfortable, light and airy home is possible.”
“With a few simple modifications the single story home can be built on any flat, north-east or north-west oriented block with as narrow a frontage as 12.5 metres and will achieve excellent thermal performance for natural heating and cooling.”
Just some of the Home’s key features include:
- Passive solar design;
- Energy efficient and natural lighting;
- Rainwater harvesting and grey water re-use system;
- Sustainable landscaping;
- Energy efficient fixtures, fittings and appliances;
- Universal design for access; and
- Low allergen, low toxicity and low maintenance materials.
“The urban renewal of Queens Park is providing great benefits to the community, and the opening of the Quattro Sustainable Home marks a key milestone in the project,” said Mr Gore.
“This home provides a valuable resource for everyone looking for tips on how to improve the
sustainability of their own home.”
The Quattro Sustainable Home is located at 325 Wharf Street, Queens Park and is now open to the public on Wednesdays from 1pm to 4pm and both Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm. It will also be come the Quattro Sales and Information Centre when sales commence later this year.
For more information about Quattro: The New Queens Park estate, please visit
www.quattroqueenspark.com.au.
