Cairns four-bedroom home
General features
The Cairns home was developed from the winning design by Felix Riedweg of Felix Riedwig Architects in the 1999 Queensland Master Builders Association Smart Housing Design Awards. It incorporates features that make it more livable, safe and secure while reducing costs and environmental impact.
- 4 bedrooms with built-ins
- 2 bathrooms (ensuite off bedroom 1 is accessible from hallway)
- open plan living areas
- patio off living area
- secure carport
- fully fenced
- light weight construction
- insulation
- lockable garden shed
- louvre windows
- security screens
This house is:
Resource-efficient, reducing energy costs and improving living comfort.
- The house is oriented north/south to catch prevailing breezes and reduce heat loads.
- Roof and wall insulation keeps interior cool.
- Light colour roof tiling deflects heat in the summer.
- Water saving shower rose and taps are installed.
- Natural ventilation and light is achieved through the positioning of windows and doors.
- Larger windows in the living areas improve daytime comfort.
- Shading over the windows protects them from direct sunlight.
Universally designed, which makes the home comfortable for people through different stages in their lives.
- All doorways have low thresholds.
- Space around furniture and wide hallways (1200mm) allows for easy manoeuvrability.
- Bathrooms have hobless showers and reinforced walls.
Cost-efficient over time - extra initial cost can be quite minor compared to the savings that will be generated over time.
- Durable, low maintenance materials have been used throughout the home.
- It is easy and cost effective to modify the home as needs change.
- A termite management system is in place.
- Garden beds are kept away from the house.
Safe and secure, incorporating features to improve security against crime and reduce the occurrence of common household acidents.
- Child-resistant locks are installed on the pantry and low storage doors.
- Hot water outlets have tempering devices. Hot and cold water taps clearly marked.
- The floors have reduced-slip tiles.
- Security screen doors, windows and window locks are installed.
Last updated March 2007
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