Situated in the picturesque location of Chesney Vale, within close proximity of Benalla and Wangaratta in Northeast Victoria, this one-of-a-kind home was awarded Best Environmentally Sustainable Design - Residential by the Building Designers Association of Victoria in 2007.
This energy efficient strawbale home is largely heated and cooled naturally, with an east-west orientation allowing the winter sun into the house but keeping the summer sun out and encouraging flow through ventilation. At the centre of the home, you have the front entrance, generous laundry, open plan kitchen and dining area and a spacious living space which opens up to the rear of the property. This space separates the master bedroom (with a walk in robe), a double study or home office and a good sized bathroom, from the two remaining bedrooms with built in robes and second bathroom. Internally, a substantial rock wall and stained-glass features enhance the ambience of the living environment.
The buildings are constructed from environmentally sustainable materials including strawbale walls, salvaged or plantation grown timber and local stone. The owners have researched and implemented features which complement the design and ensure that the house is not only a pleasure to live in but also provides an energy efficient, economic lifestyle.
The 2.2 hectare lifestyle property which overlooks the Winton Wetlands has been revegetated with indigenous trees and shrubs, encouraging local birds and wildlife to migrate from the adjacent natural woodland. Landscaping around the house includes gabion rock and strawbale walls which blend and compliment the surrounding environment.
Further key features of the home include:
• Heating and cooling requirements are minimal due to extensive insulation, double glazed windows and air channels in the concrete slab which encourage heat transfer. These channels also assist with cooling, bringing in cool air while warm air is exhausted at ceiling level. This is supported by reverse cycle air conditioning when required.
• Electricity - solar - 6.6kW grid interactive photo-voltaic system.
• Water - access to bore water and rainwater, including a 90,000 litre tank.
• Toilet treatment and waste system - processing sewage, wastewater and food scraps biologically.
• Double garage with workshop and loft.
This lifestyle property is one of a kind, and is definitely one not to be missed - call Ray White Benalla today for further information and to book your inspection - 03 5762 2266.
