Friday, May 28, 2010

Adelaide Zoo - sustainable design influence

I have just got back from visiting the Pandas at Adelaide Zoo. Well worth a visit they are absolutely gorgeous.
Now I am sure you are thinking well what does this have to do with a house renovation or house / garden design - well the visit to the Zoo highlighted the need for sustainable design and living.

At the Zoo I was reminded over and over again, how many animals are threatened by their habitat being destroyed. On top of which the Adelaide Zoo has an education / environmental centre which shows children the importance of managing water and discusses the effects of climate change.

Hubbie and I have been discussing how we can make our home as sustainable as possible. Currently the Building code in Victoria states that extensions have to meet 5 star standard but we are going to try and improve on this by putting in a higher level of insulation and double glazed windows. On top of this we will look at installing:

- a rain water tank
- grey water options
- solar panels
- low energy lighting (no or few down lights)
- high star rated fixtures and appliances
- good window coverage - blinds and shading.

Of course this is all well and good if we don't follow this through into the old part of the house so this will also be scrutinised for ways to improve.
We also need to consider the materials being used and ensure things like the wood for the deck is FSC accredited.
Along with this we will a look at options for the garden taking permaculture principles into account (more in a later post). Also I loved the butterfly garden at the Zoo, designed to attract local butterflies. Something worth looking into - I know the kids will love it.

2 comments:

  1. After hiring the service of Building extension Adelaide ‘Tradition Rebuilt’ for our pavement-walkway project, we brought them back for an aggregation of other projects around our home, Stone steps, retaining walls, entrances, pillars and water fountains, cobble stone paving. Really ‘Tradition Rebuilt’ created a work of art for our home through its Building extension Adelaide service. We are extremely satisfied with its work. We can undoubtedly recommend its excellent service to anyone.
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  2. After hiring the service of Building extension Adelaide ‘Tradition Rebuilt’ for our pavement-walkway project, we brought them back for an aggregation of other projects around our home, Stone steps, retaining walls, entrances, pillars and water fountains, cobble stone paving. Really ‘Tradition Rebuilt’ created a work of art for our home through its Building extension Adelaide service. We are extremely satisfied with its work. We can undoubtedly recommend its excellent service to anyone.
    Building extensions Adelaide

    ReplyDelete

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