Sustainable House Design — Earth-Sheltered, Low-Energy Living
The Kalimna residence shows how earth-sheltering, thermal mass and careful section design deliver year-round comfort with minimal energy. The home settles into the site with a green roof and bermed flanks, while protected openings bring in daylight and cross-ventilation.
Why Earth-Sheltered = Sustainable
The ground forms a protective, insulating envelope around habitable spaces. Thermal mass tempers diurnal swings, reducing active heating/cooling. Openings are recessed and oriented for winter sun, summer cross-flow and bushfire resilience.
- Low energy demand through mass coupling and controlled glazing.
- Acoustic calm as the earth buffers wind and external noise.
- Resilient envelope against storms; simplified junctions for ember attack.
- Minimal visual impact with forms that read as landscape.
Design Method
- Site-led geometry: contours, outlooks and access establish the parti.
- Section first: daylighting and ventilation solved in section, façades follow.
- Envelope layering: waterproofing, protection board, drainage composite, filter fabric, planting media.
- BAL strategy: toughened/laminated glazing, screened vents, non-combustible externals.
Technical Notes — Detailing that Matters
Subsoil Drainage
Perimeter drains with cleanouts, graded to daylight or sump with backup power.
Layering
Membrane, protection board, drainage composite, filter fabric, engineered growing media.
Ventilation
Cross-flow paths and purge strategies; stack assist where needed for summer night cooling.
Documentation includes constructability, maintenance access and future adaptability — from excavation staging to planting media specifications.