Discover the Secret: How This Couple Transformed Their Sweltering House into a Cool Paradise Without AC!
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In the heart of Adelaide, where the urban sprawl meets the whisper of nature, one couple has turned their home into a living testament to sustainability and comfort. John Boland, a 76-year-old professor of environmental mathematics, and his wife, Chris Bryant, have spent the last 28 years transforming their Felixstow property into a cool paradise, all without the need for air conditioning.
Their journey began with a vision to live harmoniously with the environment, and it has since blossomed into a lush oasis that provides not only a third of their food but also a natural cooling system for their home. The secret? A strategic planting of fruit trees and a thoughtful redesign of their 1940s weatherboard house.
Upon moving into their traditional quarter-acre block, just 6km from the city centre, the couple wasted no time in removing the concrete and sheds that stifled the land's potential. In their place, they planted deciduous trees on the western side of the house, which now bathe the home in shade during the scorching South Australian summers and allow the gentle afternoon sun to warm the house in winter. These trees also serve as a natural barrier against hot breezes in summer and chilling winds in winter.
'We basically live in the jungle,' Boland says with a sense of pride. 'We [sit] listening to birds singing, rather than listening to air-con belching away, and enjoy having a meal in a beautiful bush setting in the middle of the city.'
Their approach to sustainability is one of gradual improvement and practicality. When faced with the need to remove asbestos or repair termite damage, they seized the opportunity to install insulation. Boland, with his expertise in heat flows in houses, has meticulously redesigned their home to maximize ventilation, installing mesh security screens that allow them to leave doors and windows open without compromising safety.
The couple's commitment to a sustainable lifestyle extends beyond their home's walls. They were early adopters of solar panels, initially opting for a smaller system to test their ability to limit energy consumption. Over time, they expanded their solar array and added a battery, taking advantage of government subsidies. They drink rainwater and repurpose their washing machine's runoff to nourish their garden, which is a haven for local wildlife.
Their garden is a cornucopia of biodiversity, yielding apples, pears, nuts, peaches, pomegranates, native limes, quandongs, lemons, mandarins, and more. By planning their meals around their garden's seasonal produce and composting waste, they have significantly reduced their landfill contribution, only needing to put out their household rubbish bin once a month.
Transportation is another area where they've minimized their environmental footprint. Boland, having gone without a car for over a decade, opts to walk or take the bus for local errands.
Despite some hiccups along the way, such as planting unsuitable trees or installing impractically large windows, Boland views these as learning experiences that have informed their subsequent redesigns. 'I'm a mathematician too, so I'm into optimisation, and we're trying to optimise our whole system of living,' he explains. 'It's just absolutely wonderful fun, to be honest, and satisfying.'
Boland now shares his knowledge and passion through public talks, encouraging Australians to adopt simple ways to make their homes more comfortable and energy-efficient. His tips range from keeping plants on balconies to opening windows for ventilation in the summer and sealing draughts in the winter.
The story of John Boland and Chris Bryant is a powerful reminder that with a bit of ingenuity and a commitment to sustainability, we can transform our living spaces into eco-friendly sanctuaries. It's about increasing comfort, not just saving energy. As Boland says, 'You can have fun and try things, see how far you can go.'
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, what sustainable practices have you incorporated into your homes? Have you found natural ways to keep cool during the summer months? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below – let's inspire each other to live more sustainably and comfortably!
Their journey began with a vision to live harmoniously with the environment, and it has since blossomed into a lush oasis that provides not only a third of their food but also a natural cooling system for their home. The secret? A strategic planting of fruit trees and a thoughtful redesign of their 1940s weatherboard house.
Upon moving into their traditional quarter-acre block, just 6km from the city centre, the couple wasted no time in removing the concrete and sheds that stifled the land's potential. In their place, they planted deciduous trees on the western side of the house, which now bathe the home in shade during the scorching South Australian summers and allow the gentle afternoon sun to warm the house in winter. These trees also serve as a natural barrier against hot breezes in summer and chilling winds in winter.
John Boland and Chris Bryant have made their Adelaide home sustainable and naturally cool, removing the need for air conditioning. Credit: X / @UniversitySA
'We basically live in the jungle,' Boland says with a sense of pride. 'We [sit] listening to birds singing, rather than listening to air-con belching away, and enjoy having a meal in a beautiful bush setting in the middle of the city.'
Their approach to sustainability is one of gradual improvement and practicality. When faced with the need to remove asbestos or repair termite damage, they seized the opportunity to install insulation. Boland, with his expertise in heat flows in houses, has meticulously redesigned their home to maximize ventilation, installing mesh security screens that allow them to leave doors and windows open without compromising safety.
The couple's commitment to a sustainable lifestyle extends beyond their home's walls. They were early adopters of solar panels, initially opting for a smaller system to test their ability to limit energy consumption. Over time, they expanded their solar array and added a battery, taking advantage of government subsidies. They drink rainwater and repurpose their washing machine's runoff to nourish their garden, which is a haven for local wildlife.
Their garden is a cornucopia of biodiversity, yielding apples, pears, nuts, peaches, pomegranates, native limes, quandongs, lemons, mandarins, and more. By planning their meals around their garden's seasonal produce and composting waste, they have significantly reduced their landfill contribution, only needing to put out their household rubbish bin once a month.
Transportation is another area where they've minimized their environmental footprint. Boland, having gone without a car for over a decade, opts to walk or take the bus for local errands.
Despite some hiccups along the way, such as planting unsuitable trees or installing impractically large windows, Boland views these as learning experiences that have informed their subsequent redesigns. 'I'm a mathematician too, so I'm into optimisation, and we're trying to optimise our whole system of living,' he explains. 'It's just absolutely wonderful fun, to be honest, and satisfying.'
Boland now shares his knowledge and passion through public talks, encouraging Australians to adopt simple ways to make their homes more comfortable and energy-efficient. His tips range from keeping plants on balconies to opening windows for ventilation in the summer and sealing draughts in the winter.
The story of John Boland and Chris Bryant is a powerful reminder that with a bit of ingenuity and a commitment to sustainability, we can transform our living spaces into eco-friendly sanctuaries. It's about increasing comfort, not just saving energy. As Boland says, 'You can have fun and try things, see how far you can go.'
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