Helene Leane and Luc Hoffman are building what could be described as Dungog’s healthiest home.
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There’s natural wood fibre insulation and a 10kW solar system – and that’s just to start.
They have extensively researched the innovative design, and construction has seen as little chemical use as possible.
The home has high density wood fibre panels as part of its bioclimatic design which is three times more effective with heat than typical insulation.
It’s a product made from recycled wood that has been usedin Europe for 50 years, says Luc, a retired website owner who lives at Main Creek.
“It’s proven, it’s fire resistant,” he said.
“In Australia, we couldn’t find it so we are importing it.”
While the home is a prototype which looks to the future, Luc and Helene have been careful to make it livable.
The home is designed for low maintenance and for mobility access with wide hallways, flat surfaces and spacious bathrooms.
They are aiming for a 22 degrees Celsius temperature all year round.
“It’s all about controlling heat flows,” said Luc.
They will do this with the external cladding (fibre cement) installed so that there is constant air flow, allowing the house to “breathe”.
The roof has a double baton system allowing for optimal ventilation to help with humidity.
The house will be painted off white for its reflective ability with a surf mist metal roof.
The only treated wood is one beam in the ceiling. Their plan for termites includes keeping the home dry with stainless steel mesh barriers, gravel and crusher dust barrier and the ability for regular visual inspection.
The house will also be energy positive.
“We will be producing 40kw of energy per day,” said Luc.
“The average home in Dungog with two people only uses 15kw a day.”
The 32 solar panels with a 10kW system will enable them to power an electric vehicle charge (they don’t own an electric vehicle as yet, but the home’s future owners might.)
Where glue is used it is one with the lowest formaldehyde rating and there’s no toxic polyurethane to fill gaps – instead they are filled with high density wood fibre padding.
Luc said the three bedroom house would cost around $2000 a square metre which for a green home was comparable.
The project has taken a year to get to its lock up stage - primarily because of the research they have undertaken.
You can learn more about the build and the components used on their website Dungog Healthy Home
