The finish on this exterior surface is a textured render, with integrated colour made from natural pigmentation. The upper level, shaded by the roof overhang, is clad in plywood. Window frames are made from plantation timber.
The interiors of the house are designed with Brisbane's hot and humid climate in mind. All commonly used rooms have windows on two sides to promote air circulation. On the upper floor, a large outdoor room adjoins the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. Bifolding doors mean this area can be closed off if required, and screens around the edges provide protection from insects. Thompson says air flow is a huge part of making this house ecologically sustainable.
"In the hotter months, hot air rises and travels through vents in the ceilings, then out of louvred vents on the roof. In the winter, the louvres are closed, and hot air circulates throughout the house via solar-powered fans, instead of being trapped in the roof space. By using this natural phenomenon, called the stack effect, to promote air circulation, we avoid relying on artificial air conditioning or heating," he says.
Heating and cooling is also provided through the thermal mass of a concrete wall in the stairwell, with a void cavity. The wall is positioned to retain the sun's heat in the winter, while cool air radiates from the cavity in summer.
"The electricity the house uses is balanced by solar panels on the roof, which supply power directly to the national grid, giving the homeowner credits. Along with low energy rating appliances and lighting, the house gains a net power bill of zero."