Currently under construction, Wirringulla is tucked into the Ku-Ring Gai National Park in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Accessed only by water, the construction process has to follow a less conventional process of barging all construction materials in and out of the property. The original shack from the 30’s had been renovated in the 90’s but lacked a rational layout to the living spaces, had a poor connection to the backyard and lacked any form of insulation or access to natural light. Given the location surrounded by trees and at the bottom of an escarpment, this house is an experiment in seeing how effective passive design principles can function under these difficult conditions. The house will be fully insulated and double glazed, small electric radiators will generate heat through winter rather than the original houses wood fireplace and a solar PV system will offset the electricity usage of the radiators. The property is entirely off-grid for water supply, sewer and depending on the energy generation of the PV system, may be ready to go off-grid for power once a battery is installed. Follow the progress on Instagram at @wirringulla.reno
Location:
Elvina Bay, Pittwater, Sydney, Australia
Completed:
Under Construction
Builder:
Renovation Solutions
Photography:
Ironbark Architecture