Part 6
Last update of this page : 28 December 2006
The gallery here is for distant family and friends who are interested in how we are setting up for comfort and pleasure.
We apologize to those viewers who expect more on solar information and less on our self-indulgence!
See home page http://home.iprimus.com.au/fredb19/solarhouse/house01.htm for additional photographs, technical detail, some design and conceptual information.
PHOTO 1
Photo 1 view shows preparation work for the driveway and lawn area. Note the pallet loads of "grass pavers" in the background. !263 of them, each weighing 15kG. Thirsty work ahead !
PHOTO 2
Photo 2 shows paving underway. Prior to this photo underground drainage, cabling and irrigation reticulation systems were set in place. All levels were set to drain surface water away from house.
PHOTO 3
Photo 3 shows paving finished and turf laid adjacent to paved areas. The turf will eventually grow over the grass pavers. Photo taken late 2004.
PHOTO 4
Photo 4 shows turf (Sir Walter Soft Buffalo) now completely covering the 'grass pavers'. Cars run over turf on a daily basis but do not damage it. All Garden lighting is low energy LED. Photo taken Dec 2006.
PHOTO 5
Photo 5 shows another view of turf over driveway and front entrance to house.
PHOTO 6
Photo 6 shows recently completed Frog Pond. Pond has solar powered pump exiting over small waterfall with distributed input piping over entire bottom. This acts as a large coarse gravel filter. Water is pumped through a solar powered UV disinfector (kills green algae) then through a volcanic rock filter populated with beneficial bacteria that eat dead algae and other dead organisms (the pond sewerage system!). The pond is stocked with Australian native 'Blue Eyes', small fish that control mosquito larvae. These fish are breeding prolifically. The Marsh Striped Frog and small green tree frog are now breeding in the pond.
PHOTO 7
Photo 7 shows the prolific growth of the Ipomea horsfalliae (Cardinal creeper or Prince Kuhio vine) growing on the private courtyard wall.
PHOTO 8
Photo 8 shows small courtyard at front entrance. The native grass trees are now well established.
PHOTO 9
Photo 9 shows view from front door towards private courtyard. Gate swung open.
PHOTO 10
Photo 10 shows view from inside main bedroom looking out into private courtyard.
This web page is maintained by Fred & Jeanette Birkbeck