Benalla's Howard Bartlett is participating in Sustainable House Day again this year, with his Solar Skillion Sleepout featuring in 2020's on-line event .  Developing a video presentation was part of the requirement this year, and it is with pleasure we launch Howard's video on our website!  There is also a most informative article by Simon Ruppert in the Shepparton News and Benalla Ensign, and of course past posts on our website. 

The online program for Sustainable House Day looks excellent - so many sessions to choose from, you just need to register, choose a stream and enter the online webinars you wish to attend.  . 

​There is also an Extension Program of six webinar sessions over the next 10 days at a minimal cost per session.   

You can check out the Shepparton News article here (you just need to register), or, if the link has expired by the time you read it, email us through the Contact page and we will send you a pdf copy.  

T read more about Howard's house - Bartlett, Howard (2017) 'Changing Households'  The Owner Builder  201, July/August 2017 p48 - 51

Established in 2001, Sustainable House Day is a national event that allows the public to see and learn from the best environmental homes in Australia. It aims to inspire people to live sustainably, showing them how to lower energy bills, live comfortably and help the environment through good home design, practices and technology.

Explore a program of over 30 free sessions happening on Sustainable House Day, offering practical advice and guidance on a range of topics relating to sustainable house design including new buildings and renovations.

In light of COVID-19, this year’s event is completely virtual. Participating homes have created video tours and can be asked questions about their homes on the Sustainable House Day website. Selected homeowners will also be taking part in information sessions happening throughout the day, accessible to anyone through Zoom. These sessions will be hosted by sustainability experts, designers, and architects, and allow a valuable opportunity for participants to seek guidance from those who have already completed their home. The program for these sessions can be found on the Sustainable House Day website: https://sustainablehouseday.com/program.

To view house tours and take part in the sessions on the day, registrations to the Sustainable House Day website are necessary. Register at https://sustainablehouseday.com/register.

BSFG member Howard Bartlett is again part of Sustainable House Day, displaying his Solar Skillion Sleepout.

A reminder that our 2020 AGM is also online via Zoom at 7.30pm on Thursday September 24th. 


Peter Maddock
Secretary, BSFG
0418 135 330

Sustainable House Day 2018 is on Sunday 16 September 2018 https://sustainablehouseday.com/.

Two locations are listed for Benalla on the Sustainable House Day website - Sandy's Tiny House and BSFG Member Howard Bartlett's Solar Skillion Sleep Out.  You will need to register on https://sustainablehouseday.com to get details of the addresses.

If you missed it Howard's Solar Skillion Sleepout last year pop in to have a look and discuss with Howard options for Sustainable Housing.  Entry is free or a gold coin donation which Howard is directing to BSFG.

Howard is asking for assistance from a few BSFG members for his open house by collecting visitor details and gold coin donations.  If you are able to assist could you reply to this email indicating a preferred time from 10.00am to 4.00pm?  A one hour time slot would assist making up a roster.

Peter Maddock
0418 135 330

​This post on innovative sustainable housing in 'urban' Benalla updates an earlier post relating to Sustainable House Day in 2016.
 
Howard and Bernie's Solar Skillion Sleep Out

An energy efficient sleep out has been designed and  attached to the existing house by a covered walkway, forming part of a complex of four buildings.

Buildings are solar oriented and follow golden rules of good design related to sunlight, open space, access and privacy (SOAP).
 
Skillion roofs are oriented to the north which shade the buildings in summer and emit the winter sun.
One building is rented and three are used by the owners as sleep-out, artists studio and house under renovation.  Click on the button below to check out the Sustainable Housing Day's case study - 

What is SOAP?
​
SUNLIGHT

• Maximise sunlight in winter and shade in summer.

OPEN SPACE

• If you have a choice of a house sited in the middle of the block or one set on one side make sure the indoor and outdoor living space has the benefit of a large area on the sunny side of the house.

ACCESS

• Movement from main rooms to the yard and garden should be convenient.
• Access from the street to the site needs to be safe.
• Entry to the house should be secure as well as welcoming.

PRIVACY

• Make sure indoor and outdoor living spaces are private. No overlooking to and from the neighbours living spaces.

 
If you would like to join in the discussion about SOAP House Design you can join Association SOAP House Design Inc. - you will be sent out diary dates for workshops to meet others interested in sharing their knowledge and experience.  Call Howard Bartlett on 0409504420 for  more information.

 Howard and Bernie's sustainable house event on Sustainable House Day, September, 2016.  
For more photos of their solar skillion sleepout, check out the Sustainable House Day website.