The owner was determined to showcase the benefits of the Passivhaus standard and that deep-energy retrofits of old buildings are viable. This old cottage was transformed.
Meet a little cottage on a huge block of land in NSW’s Central Tablelands. It was relocated here decades ago to a site where it offers beautiful views out to the south. Orange is inland and stands at considerable elevation and the result is a challenging climate. Summers see temperatures soar into the 40s while winter brings snow. But a determined deep-energy retrofit sees this old cottage turned into a comfortable, healthy place to stay no matter what is happening outside.
Wood fibre was the insulation material chosen to improve thermal performance, while locally assembled uPVC windows were specified to suit the original project timeframe. Window placement stayed the same. Some window openings were enlarged but the glazing ratio was carefully considered to find the right balance between preventing overheating in summer and bringing in warming winter sun.
The new extension is unashamedly modern and creates a bold contrast from the exterior, differentiated by its roof form, cladding and colour. Its timber cladding is echoed by the generous walkways and decking surrounding the cottage, constructed from Australian hardwood timber.
Inside, period features are retained in the original bedrooms, with their internal curved wall and feature plaster ceiling. The kitchen is modern and practical, opening to an open-plan dining and living room.
Everyone is happy that a beautiful pear tree shading the north-facing window could be kept. Enough sun filters through its bare branches in winter to provide the needed solar gain.
