Torquay · Completed residence · 2020
Stretton House
A coastal family home designed around northern sunlight, cooling breezes and a close connection to the garden. The design balances generous shared spaces, privacy and energy efficiency within a practical construction budget. Natural materials and abundant daylight contribute to the home's relaxed character.
Design and construction · Miles Paterson
A compact coastal home
Stretton House was designed as an environmentally responsive family home, providing generous living spaces, privacy and outdoor amenity on a compact 455 m² coastal site.
The two-storey arrangement preserves a substantial north-facing garden, with the kitchen, dining and living areas forming the social centre of the home. A separate upstairs multipurpose room provides a private retreat while taking advantage of elevated coastal views.
A restrained plan and straightforward construction approach make efficient use of the available space and budget. Weatherboard cladding, natural timber and burnished concrete establish a relaxed coastal character grounded in simplicity and practicality.
Working with sun and breeze
North-facing glazing and carefully proportioned eaves allow winter sunlight to warm the living spaces while limiting solar heat gain in summer. Opposing operable windows encourage cross ventilation, taking advantage of cooling coastal breezes, while insulation and double glazing help maintain comfortable internal temperatures.
The ground-floor living spaces open directly onto the north-facing garden, where planting provides shade and a cooler setting for outdoor living. This connection brings natural light, greenery and seasonal change into everyday family life. Upstairs, carefully positioned windows balance daylight, coastal views and privacy.
Planning for Climate and Place
The floor plans illustrate how the two-storey arrangement responds to the site's orientation and the needs of family life.
The principal living spaces occupy the northern end of the ground floor, with bedrooms and utility areas positioned towards the south. Upstairs, the multipurpose room captures elevated coastal views while providing separation from the main living areas.
Performance in Use
The home's passive solar design, well-insulated building envelope and efficient electric services work together to minimise energy demand. Reverse-cycle heating and cooling, heat-pump hot water and energy-efficient appliances are complemented by rooftop solar generation and battery storage.
In 2025, the home generated 27% more electricity than it consumed, supplying approximately 68% of its electricity requirements through onsite solar generation and battery storage. Over the year, the home exported more electricity to the grid than it imported, while retaining grid access during periods of low solar generation.
The energy assessment estimated that the home's solar generation avoided approximately 7.4 tonnes of CO₂-e in grid emissions over the reporting year.
- Electricity supplied onsite
- 68%
- Surplus solar generation
- 27%
- Annual energy cost
- $761
Notes: Energy figures are based on 2025 utility bills and battery/gateway monitoring data. The annual electricity bill includes supply charges, solar export credits and $300 in government rebates. Avoided grid emissions are estimates based on the assessment methodology.