Architecture that makes good use of the sun's energy and incorporates other sustainable features is being celebrated.

More than 30 years after Solar House Day was first held in the ACT, the Australian Institute of Architects is once again running a midwinter event to recognise, celebrate and demonstrate the work of local architects and their climate-appropriate energy-efficient housing for the Canberra region.

This year's Solar House Day will feature architects' contributions to the development of energy-efficient passive solar and sustainable house design that responds to its climatic environment.

The Solar House Day  event includes a lecture at the Shine Dome on Wednesday, July 23, from 5pm, and  bus tours will run be held on Sunday, July 27 and August 3.

The public is welcome to attend both the lecture and tours. To book, please email act@architecture.com.au or phone 02 6208 2100.

Queanbeyan House
Architect: Eric Martin & Associates
Photographer: Eric Martin

The 1920 heritage-listed house has remarkably intact interiors. The challenge was to expand the house to meet changing circumstances and overcome the problems of poor orientation as the house overlooked Queanbeyan to the east.

 The original larger block the house was on had been reduced so opportunities to expand were severely limited, especially given the setback requirements and desire not to build in front of the existing house.

The opportunity was taken to provide a northern orientation to some living spaces and design the new spaces for passive solar. The architect also looked for an innovative way to join new to old with a corridor naturally lit by indirect light. A roof slope facing north provided for 25 solar panels to be hidden from normal view.

The changes incorporate many energy-efficient details, including double glazing, insulated edge of slab, extra insulation in walls and ceiling, 25 solar panels and stormwater retention for domestic and garden use.

Chifley Passivhaus
Architect: Andrew Verri
Designer: Harley Truong
Photographer: Harley Truong

Saving the planet, using recycled materials and going off-grid – these were not the goals of this house.  Although noble causes, the owners’ motives were much more selfish.  They were sick of cold, mouldy and draughty brick-veneer houses more suited to Sydney’s mild climate, and tired of their young children constantly falling ill during winter.  The owners wanted a house that would achieve the ultimate level of comfort and one that would improve the health of its occupants.

The secret?  There was no secret.  Even the builders, R.J. Building ACT, said it wasn’t rocket science to build this house but it did require a level of quality and care not normally seen in residential construction.  The design process followed a recipe created in Germany but adaptable to any climate, the Passivhaus standard.  It features super-insulation, European-style windows, whole-house ventilation systems, next generation air-sealing techniques and a sun-worshipping orientation.

The result is a house 100-times more airtight than the average Canberra home but one in which the air is completely replenished every three hours.  Every room in the house is impossibly cosy and warm without the need for heating, even during Canberra blizzards.