A remodel that captures rain and sun

[ab3000x]

WOW! where do i begin? I would love to move to Australia (I have not changed my mind since I was about 8 and I'll be 39 in a few weeks) even if just for a few years...Melbourne being on top of my list. Also, your house is amazing!!!! I like the whole reverse south to north flip for winter sun. Any ideas how to relocate down there? I'm not asking to crash at your place - ha ha. I plan on paying off my student loans in about a year and half and will have some freedom to do whatever. cheers

[kirstendirksen]

@ab3000x I wish I could be of more help. I filmed this video of my brother when he was living with his Australian now-wife-then-girlfriend in Melbourne. They have since sold the home (though they loved it) and moved to San Francisco. My brother is a green builder/designer by trade so he's continuing to work on any construction that involves principles of passive solar and good building envelopes. Best of luck with your Australian Dream.

[preparadox]

do you need a pump to get the water out of the bladder to build up water pressure? would this work without power?

[ClosetKitten]

Hi tyson I just wondering arent any street cat at your place? coz if so usually the street cats pee and poop at the roof of the house and capturing the rain wasnt that good right? coz its with cats residues thanx alot :)

[Specialized1989]

lol, hes been in Australia long enough you can hear the accent growing on him

[kirstendirksen]

@Specialized1989 Ha. He's my brother and I notice that a bit. He's also married to an Australian.

[Specialized1989]

@kirstendirksen haha, well there you go, tell him he has an absolutely beautiful house!

[scir91]

can you grow mangoes in that backyard?

[kirstendirksen]

@scir91 I believe Melbourne is outside the climatic range for growing mangoes, though I suppose you could try.

[handygote]

Why a water bladder instead of a hard-wall (pvc) water tank?

[kirstendirksen]

@handygote I just spoke with Tyson (I only filmed the video; he was the designer/builder). He told me... the bladder was cheaper than a hard plastic/metal tank. Additionally, you can customize the length of bladders and the cradles that they sit in so we were able to maximize our rainwater catchment system for the limited crawl space that we had under our house.

[jackgoldman1]

nice job. Good video. Well done.

[METALMAN4Wii]

This is definitely a 22nd century home I'd say 20 or 30 years beond it's time.......!

[noiram007]

Great looking layout and work Surprising what thinking can do Virgina City NV USA

[iwantosavemoney]

this is a very nice place good workman ship 10 stars

[TUNIQlifestyle]

bugs? 

[unowild]

I wish more people would place as much thought into their house as you have, nice job.