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Leslie Court New Housing, Fairfield, Perth

Design

On a tight budget, the design for the 18 new flats took a 'passive' approach to saving energy, using a sun scoop form which also provides shelter from the wind. A low floor to wall ratio, high levels of insulation and small north facing windows reduce heat loss within the development.

Materials

Ecological considerations were applied in the selection of materials. These included the selection of timber, impregnated with borax rather than CCA, with organic and low solvent paints, and screw rather than nail fixing to allow the timber floors to remain intact when uplifted or reused. Use of breathing walls with cellulose insulation on the inner skin of the timber frame construction provided moisture control without the use of a vapour barrier. The principles of a healthy indoor climate applied at Leslie Court are being developed further - supported by research funding from the RIBA - for the Tollhouse project which will provide 14 units incorporating 2 low-allergen units.