Project: J&J Residence
Architecture: Hogg and Lamb
Project Team: Michael Hogg, Greg Lamb, Kasia Jarosz, Lucia Castro Peres, Chris Kotmel, Sam Charles Ginn
Builder: Scott Harris Constructions
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Area: 200 m2
Year: 2020
Photo Credits: Christopher Frederick Jones
The J&J Residence stands as a paragon of sustainable design, featuring a remarkable 75-tonne rammed earth wall that serves as the cornerstone of its innovative thermal management system. This system leverages a network of vertical internal ducts to connect the roof space with a sub-floor ventilation system, thereby creating an “Activated Thermal Mass.”
During the colder months, the system harnesses hot air collected in the roof space, channeling it through the wall to actively heat the thermal mass. Conversely, in the summer, the “Skycool” conductive paint on the roof helps to cool the space overnight. As dawn approaches and the air temperature drops, it is circulated through the wall, effectively reducing its temperature and enhancing the overall cooling efficiency of the system. This dynamic approach to thermal mass management ensures optimal internal temperatures throughout the year, significantly enhancing the residence’s energy efficiency and comfort levels.
Further contributing to its sustainability credentials, the J&J Residence features an on-site aerated wastewater treatment system (AWTS) that converts all human waste into water suitable for garden and landscape irrigation. Additionally, a substantial solar array coupled with an underground water tank minimizes reliance on off-site water and electricity supplies.
Architectural features such as low-emissivity (low-e) glass, deep overhangs on the northern facade, and heat-reflective blinds further reduce energy consumption by mitigating heat gain and loss, thus reinforcing the residence’s commitment to sustainable living and environmental stewardship.
