Retrofitting Tips

Reprinted from ‘Earth-User’s Guide to Permaculture’

Most of us are stuck with the house we live in. What can we do to improve it? Here is a checklist of ways to retrofit a home and some good ideas to make life more comfortable.

TOO HOT IN SUMMER

Insulate ceiling

Pergola and vines

Deciduous trees

Shady verandahs

Breezeways/corridors

Solar fans

Cool air tunnels

Deciduous creepers

Shadehouse with plants

TOO COLD IN WINTER

Insulation

Double grazing

Thermal mass in doors/walls

Lined curtains and pelmets

70% glass wall on sun side

Compact house

Gap sealing

Glasshouse on sun side

TOO HUMID (fungi, moulds)

Cross ventilation

Solar or exhaust fans

Fix window open

Let more sunlight in

TOO DRY

Indoor plants

Indoor ponds

Duct air from glasshouse

Dense plantings

TOO DARK (artificial light during the day)

Skylights

Paint walls light colour

Use light-coloured furnishings

Replace verandah with pergola

Insert glass wall or door

POLLUTANTS – Exterior

Dense fine-leaved plants

Windbreaks

POLLUTANTS – Interior

Change to natural materials

Improve ventilation

Reduce electrical gadgets

BUILDING MATERIALS

Mudbrick, adobe, stone, wood, strawbale, rammed earth

PAINTS

Whitewash and tints

Natural glues, waxes, sealants