Solar-powered Christian Street House is made from locally sourced materials in Brisbane

Australia’s humid subtropical climate is no match for the breezy Christian Street House.

Designed by James Russell Architect, the two-story family house is carefully oriented for protection against the harsh sun and storms in Clearfield, an inner north suburb of Brisbane. The energy-efficient home is powered by solar energy and constructed with locally sourced materials including clay and concrete.

Backed up against a hillside, the long and rectangular Christian Street House stretches east to west. High gabled roofs face the street and create shelter for a patio and garage. Constructed for minimal maintenance, the home is primarily made from locally sourced brick, timber, and concrete. The brick and concrete form the base and framework, whereas the unpainted timber clad the interior walls and floors. Large windows and floor-to-ceiling openings allow cooling winds to pass through the building.

The Christian Street House is divided into two floors: an upper level that sits flush with street level and a lower level that cuts into the earth. The upper floor consists of a generous front porch, a series of communal spaces, as well as the master bedroom and vegetable garden located at the rear of the property. The lower level comprises three bedrooms, a central courtyard, kitchen, lounge, and an outdoor pool.

A north-facing 10KW solar array tops the building and provides enough energy to meet the needs of the occupant. The home is also equipped with a 20,000-liter water storage tank.