A LATE 1980\u2019s brick house undergoing renovations in Portarlington is among properties across the region open to the public this weekend for Sustainable House Day (SHD2019).
\nHeld on Sunday October 13, SHD2019 is shaping up to be the most successful open days in its 11-year history, with 15 quality homes and gardens opening across the Bellarine, Surf Coast and Geelong, showcasing something for everyone.
\nThe program includes new homes, renovations, retrofits and works in progress.
\nIt\u2019s a unique opportunity to gather insights and information about the what, why and how to improve the enjoyment and efficiency of your home.
\nThe owners of #9 located in Portarlington \u2013 Stephen and Lina Murphy \u2013 said when buying a house, they wanted one that was potentially energy efficient with enough room for a large garden.
\n\u201cWe feel very lucky because we found a house with \u2018good bones\u2019 as Lana our architect described it,\u201d the couple said.
\n\u201cGood bones meant it\u2019s well orientated, having living areas with large windows to the north.
\n\u201cThe bedrooms are on the cool south and east sides\u2026 its interior brick walls provide good thermal mass.
\n\u201cWe are two retirees in our 60\u2019s, so being \u2018owner builders\u2019 in a new town was pretty frustrating at first.
\n\u201cWe didn\u2019t know any good tradies and we didn\u2019t have a network of friends who could point us in the right direction.\u201d
\nBut the couple said after one year in, they had learnt a lot and were close to finishing the important areas.
\n\u201cWe\u2019ve added a bathroom and renovated another, remodelled the master bedroom, remodelled and updated the kitchen and dining areas.
\n\u201cWe\u2019ve replaced the original dodgy deck and veranda with a new deck built of sustainably grown Spotted Gum.
\n\u201cThe house is now very comfortable and cheap to run due to new ceiling insulation, double glazing and solar panels with batteries.
\nTo help plan your day and pre-register, head to geelongsustainability.org.au\/shd2019.
\nEntry is by $2 donation at each of the participating properties.
\nFor regular updates follow the SHD Facebook page (@SHDgeelong) or pick up postcards with information about SHD2019 from various council customer service centres, local libraries and neighbourhood houses.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A LATE 1980\u2019s brick house undergoing renovations in Portarlington is among properties across the region open to the public this weekend for Sustainable House Day (SHD2019). Held on Sunday October 13, SHD2019 is shaping up to be the most successful open days in its 11-year history, with 15 quality homes and gardens opening across the […]<\/p>\n