Update Aug 2013

Hello again,
I know this post is a bit late but we wanted to see how the upgraded wind/solar system performed over the (very cold) winter that we just experienced in Victoria. We adjusted the angle of the solar array to 52 deg (the optimal angle for winter solar gain at Heathcote) and are happy to say that unlike previous years, we have no power issues at all this year. Wends has spent over a week at the house in the depths of winter with cloudy conditions and little sun and experienced no problems with loss of power or excessive battery drain. So very happy about that.
The other project that has been happening is the gradual insulating of the walls and replacing of weatherboards. When finished this should improve the overall heating and cooling of the house and subsequently reduce the amount of wood burned in winter.
The dams are all full again and the country is looking great coming into spring.
The next job is to get the vine site ripped for planting preparation!

Pergola

Finally completed stage one of the deck roofing. Stage two is an enclosed living area on the return part of the deck complete with pot belly stove, comfy couches and cafe blinds. The idea is a kind of "cigar lounge" for the winter.

Some images..

Welcome to THREE DAMS ESTATE

This blog is a collection of info and photos from our sustainable Eco project in the Heathcote wine growing area of Central Victoria. In Nov 2007, we purchased a 20 acre plot of elevated land just out of town and set about creating a lifestyle based on sustainable living and minimal resource use. The house itself was rescued from demolition in suburban Melbourne and transported to the property in 2 stages and was positioned facing due north to allow maximum sun exposure for the solar panels. The house is heated in winter by a slow combustion heater (generously donated by a friend) that burns wood salvaged from fallen trees on the property and in the surrounding State Forest. Rainwater is stored in a 55,000 litre water tank and most of our fresh vegetables and herbs are grown on site in the large fenced vegetable garden. All food scraps are composted and bottles, papers, metals etc are all recycled. The house is fully off grid and is powered by a hybrid 1kW PV solar/wind turbine system. The solar array is adjustable to maximise solar gain at different times of the year.

This year we have begun work on our small vineyard and also plan to plant a grove of almond trees.

Please enjoy the photos and please feel free to contact us if with your queries or comments.