Project: Solar One, Mt Coolum

Project Description:

Australia’s first grid tied solar electric house served as a prototype for the local electricity authority to trial grid tied solar electricity systems.

Constructed in 1993 from rammed earth and sustainable timbers, its passive design features ensured a climatically appropriate and comfortable living environment. Solar One was one of the first buildings to use the TVS Ecological Building Management (EBM) system, which was an important step in the journey towards environmentally friendly architecture and design.

EBM addresses four important areas; (1) efficient use of energy, (2) efficient use of materials, (3) implementation of recycling and (4) reduction of indoor and outdoor pollution. All these concepts were considered throughout the design and building process of Solar One.

This dwelling was a model of how EBM could be applied in a residential situation. Low voltage electrical fixtures and fittings utilise solar power for efficient energy use. All building materials in Solar One were selected for their appropriateness from a durability, and ecological point of view.

Scissor roof trusses proved an efficient means to span large distances. Recycled timber featured prominently in the design of Solar One. Solid timber was used in preference to composite building boards to reduce levels of formaldehyde and other toxic gases in internal spaces. Many other examples of ecological design and building were incorporated into Solar One.

After the opening of the dwelling it was extensively featured in the media and became a local landmark.