Carol and Ken’s home in Leura takes advantage of, and protects, the natural landscape. (Photo: Brett Boardman)
Story by Linda Moon
Ken and Carol’s home in Leura offers insights into sustainable building design we can all take inspiration from.
Key Points:
Most Blue Mountains homes aren’t built for the local environment.
Sustainable housing is more than solar panels and water tanks.
By understanding and working with nature we can reduce energy costs and help the environment.
Perched on the hillside, a slate-coloured building blends into the landscape. There are no signs of a concrete drive, garage or fencing: those Aussie architectural mainstays. Instead, a mulched path meanders through conifer trees.
This isn’t your average property. Designed by architects Ken Yeh and Carol Marra (the multi-awarded Marra + Yeh), it has a lot to teach us about how to design alongside nature, for the planet and ourselves. It’s a journey so many of us are interested in.
Building with the environment in mind
The duo studied architecture at the University of Texas (where they met).
Ken:
Ken grew up around the tropical jungles of Malaysia and is both tutor and guest critic at the University of Sydney and UNSW. “I have a benchmark in my head of how things should be in a mature and stable eco-system. It’s a feeling. You go into a pristine place; all your senses can tell you. You can hear it; you can feel it.” His goal in designing is to try to discover what a place was originally like, then how to enhance it.
Carol:
Carol, who is originally from Argentina, also has a deep understanding of place. She also tutors and is a guest critic at the University of Sydney and UNSW. Carol says sustainable, ecological design (which the pair specialise in) starts with considering everything outside your piece of land and thinking holistically. “Across the street from us is a creek. We understand what happens here affects the waterway and the animals that drink it. So, it’s big picture thinking,” she says.
It’s also about making buildings that can survive the changing climate conditions, plus respond to the energy crisis.
Two windows promote cross ventilation and natural sunlight while storage is a must. (Photo: Brett Boardman)
The house that Ken and Carol built
Elevated above a hanging swamp, the home’s design allows water to seep unimpeded down into the creek.
Caring for the land flows both ways. By not blocking the water’s path they avoid flooding and dampness, Carol says. Another perk: the relaxing sound of running water.
Inside, things are equally interesting. In the ‘mud-room’, as they call their entry, there’s a bench, washing machine, clothing rack and fridge. Here, dirty and wet clothing are discarded and shoes exchanged for slippers. It turns out the freezer is located here to reduce energy use: it’s the coldest zone of the house.
Sustainable architects Ken Yeh and Carol Marra at home. (Photo: Linda Moon)
Beyond solar panels and tanks
“Sustainable design is not just about adding on; it’s not just about buying solar panels,” Carol emphasises.
Our starting point should be to make use of everything nature gives us for free, Ken says. This includes sunshine (warmth), breezes (which cool), soil (for creating gardens) and water.
Every part of the building is planned consciously. Bedrooms are located on the south (least sunny side) of the building. “Sleeping in a cold room is better for you,” Carol says. And, being further from the road, it’s also quieter.
The bathroom is designed for multiple use with separate compartments for hand-basin, toilet and showering. The latter includes an adjustable-size wooden Japanese bathtub (designed by the pair) and an expansive window that looks out onto 3D art courtesy of nature: trees, occasional wallabies and birds.
Bathing with the window open allows airflow to remove humidity and condensation.
“You need to identify the gifts [of nature] and accept them humbly.” – Ken Yeh.
Large north-facing, double-glazed windows harness the sun’s heat and light. (Photo: Brett Boardman)
Passive design
Designing with your local climate in mind is known as ‘passive design’. Some understanding around science, like wind direction and the sun’s angle, helps here, Carol adds.
To capture free heat from the sun, the main living zones are situated in the north. Large, double-glazed, north facing windows allow sunlight to penetrate deep into the rooms. On sunny days these don’t require artificial heating, which equals lower energy costs and CO2 emissions.
When it’s hot they open the windows to the breeze or use blinds to block the sun. “It’s a way of calibrating your building to what’s happening outside,” Ken says.
The rooms are also designed to be compartmentalised to keep the heat in. “In winter you create smaller spaces; in summer bigger spaces,” Carol says. “You live in nature.”
The living area opens up to an outdoor space with a kitchen and insect-proof screens that allow them to take advantage of any cooling breezes on hot summer nights.
In the mountains most winds come from the west. Thus, the house has few windows facing west.
“Look at nature first. The water flows under, the wind flows over.” – Ken Yeh.
Space for a wok BBQ. The indoors and outdoors blend seamlessly thanks to clever use of glass and almost invisible insect screens. (Photo: Brett Boardman)
Designing for flexibility and change
Other important features of the home include built-in storage cupboards and enormous doors between several rooms. This allows for flexibility. Rooms can be opened up to become bigger or used for a different purpose.
It’s about designing alongside time, Ken says. How we work and study, for instance, has changed; the composition of families changes, Carol says. The ability to enable change without too much pain adds value to a building.
Large doors allow spaces to be merged, enlarged and compartmentalised. (Photo: Brett Boardman)
Challenges for mountains homes
Unfortunately, few buildings in the Blue Mountains (or beyond) are designed sustainably.
“It’s a very extreme climate and we don’t make people design for this in our policies,” Carol says. The result is that many of us suffer in cold homes inappropriate for the climate with the knock-on of high heating bills. It’s a housing legacy we continue to pass onto the next generation, Carol says.
Other big challenges facing our housing (and thus our wellbeing) are affordability and lack of suitability. “The marketplace tends to cater for two types of homes: low-density, single-family dwellings and high-density apartments,” Carol says.
Housing, like nature, needs to be biodiverse. This means having housing styles that cater to extended families, older people and others.
Retrofitting your home
Integrating where we live with nature is something we can all do, Carol says. “We have a lot of opportunities to change things and do things better.”
As a starting point, they recommend focusing on the skin of your building with insulation, sealing and draught proofing. Improve the performance of any poor-quality windows. If you can, create an enlarged, double-glazed window in the north of your home.
This way you won’t need as many solar panels. “It’s like putting a jacket on before you blast the heater,” Carol says.
“You can do something at any scale that’s positive and impactful” – Carol Marra.
Harmonious exterior of the home office. Minimal impact upon and maximum gain from the environment. (Photo: Brett Boardman)
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
🍃Volunteer weekly at the Planetary Health Centre 🍃
From next week, Tuesday 28th April, come and join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture from 10am - 12pm, to help with the management of the Planetary Health veggie gardens, where any surplus produce can be shared!
The gardening session will be followed by a complimentary tea or coffee in the Planetary Health cafe.
📆Day: Every Tuesday 🕙Time: 10AM - 12PM
📍Where: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre 33-39 Acacia Street Katoomba (follow the pathways at each side of the building, round to the terrace and gardens).
What shall I bring? All you need to bring is water, gardening gloves and a hat.
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the first year Medical students from @notredamesyd for their Rural and Indigenous Immersion trip across Katoomba and Lithgow. Across two days, 150 students learnt about the link between human health and a healthy environment, the work of the @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth Initiative and the @bluemountainscitycouncil to create climate resilient communities, and got to explore our site using heat mapping tools....
Join Rotarians for Planetary Health on International Women`s Day, from 2.30-4pm Sun 8 March, for the opening of a portrait display to celebrate local women who have made a meaningful impact on protecting animals and nature. The photographs by Sue Lightfoot and others are part of a long-term initiative to build a living, community-driven database of women working to protect animals and the natural world.
The display will be open until 1 April, Thursday to Saturday, 9.30am–3.30pm at the Junction 142 Village markets (church space). As the project develops, community members will be invited to nominate women whose work deserves recognition.
The launch follows the Uniting Church and Plant Inspired`s monthly community luncheon from 12-2pm, which this month features the Older Women`s Network Blue Mountains. For more information contact 0434 691 496 (Teya)
In a world being threatened by war, greed, cruelty and selfishness, the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend will close with a gathering of people who have faith that kindness, generosity, love, creativity and community, and the healing of our land, are a better way forward. We`re thrilled that harpist Dawn Egan will be performing at this inspiring event in the Planetary Health exhibition space. Afternoon tea will be provided. Register to attend here (link in profile under Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Had lunch yet? Head over to the Planetary Health Centre for these delicious offerings from @8thingskatoomba today (Sat 28 Feb): South Indian dosa, Korean bao, NY Cheese burger, Bali nasi, Mullum tofu fries, shoestring fires & red bean mochi!
Don`t miss hearing Andrew Skeoch at 2pm today at the Planetary Health Centre! He`s an acoustic ecologist and author of `Deep Listening to Nature` and uses technology to help identify the different `conversations` happening in the world around us. His presentations are a revelation! Reserve your spot here (link in profile under Planetary Health Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Experience the joy and sense of purpose that connecting to community, nature, and your own creativity can provide this weekend at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend. There will be delicious food and coffee, music, art, workshops, nature walks, talks, an Interfaith Gathering and the following stalls:
Food vendor: @8thingskatoomba Zensational Coffee Cart @blue_mts_conservation_society Blue Mountains Wildplant Rescue Blue Mountains Women`s Health & Resource Centre (BMWHRC) Greater Blue Mountains Rotary @permaculturematters Acoustic Ecologist and author of ‘Deep Listening to Nature’, Andrew Skeoch @lacebrookstitchery Sustainable death care BMCC Sustainability and Waste team BMCC Bushcare team View the full program and reserve your spot for a range of activities here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Are humans the only species capable of grief? While grief is often treated as a uniquely human experience, any animal capable of forming attachments also has the capacity to grieve. Join Teya Brooks Pribac, author of ‘Animal Grief and Spirituality: Cross-Species Perspectives’ at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Sat 28 Feb, as she reviews key theoretical foundations of cross-species grief. The flip side of deeply caring for animals is the grief we also feel when we lose them - beloved companion animals, wildlife, or animals harmed by human activity. By validating both nonhuman animal grief and human grief for other animals, this presentation invites a more compassionate and inclusive understanding of loss. Reserve your spot here (link in profile for Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Would you like to help those around you who may be struggling with their mental health? Come along to the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Sat 28 Feb for an Introduction to Mental Health First Aid. Rotarian Ian Scott will define mental health, talk briefly about the most common mental health issues in Australia, and cover the basics of recognising when someone is experiencing a mental health issue or problem. He`ll outline what is covered in a full Mental Health First Aid course. We are planning to deliver a course later this year so it`s a great opportunity to learn more. Reserve your spot here (Link in profile for PH Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
At our Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Sat 28 Feb, Christopher Smith and Juan Roberson, Shared Reading facilitators, will introduce how the reading and discussion of great short stories and poetry can change lives and strengthen social connection, compassion, and empathy. Shared Reading, or social bibliotherapy, for all ages, is one of the most inspiring and magical ways of dealing with loneliness and the struggles of the human condition. "Shared reading makes the process of revealing who you are to other people safer." Learn how groups can be run in-person and online. Reserve your spot here (Wellness Weekend link in profile): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
You can view Christopher Smith`s TED Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=dAxk61E0R88
It`s just under a week until the Blue Mountains Interfaith Gathering on Sun 1 March, starting with a smoking ceremony by Chris Tobin at 2pm. It`s the culmination of the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend which is looking at physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Afternoon tea will be provided. Reserve your spot here (link in profile under Wellness Weekend): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
Join Harumi Hayakawa for an introduction to ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Saturday 28 February. You’ll get hands-on practice creating an arrangement and learn about the history and philosophy of ikebana, and how this calm, meditative practice uses flowers as a gentle and creative form of therapy. Reserve your spot here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
Linda Moon has lived in the upper Blue Mountains since childhood and is a freelance writer for Australian media. A qualified naturopath, permaculture designer, mother and former student of social work, her passion is building local community, gardening, mental, emotional, social, housing and environmental health – all of which are linked!
As global food insecurity increases, research suggests that the ‘planetary health diet’ is one solution. This calls for a shift towards a plant-based diet and more local food production. Local social enterprise Farm it Forward is showing how this can be done in school yards and one backyard after another.
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