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- Architect-Designed Comfort with SolarSpan
The Challenge
Andrew and Denise designed and built their family home in Campbelltown, west of Sydney, on a modest budget but with ambitious performance goals.
As architect and owner-builder, Andrew wanted a naturally comfortable, draft-free home with minimal reliance on air conditioning, one that was also simple and economical to build while retaining a distinct architectural identity.
The roof needed to deliver strong insulation, airtightness and structural performance while remaining slim enough to support the design intent and a substantial solar PV system.
As first-time builders keen to minimise trades, they also needed a roofing solution that was fast to install, simple to detail, and able to keep the project moving.
To meet those goals, Andrew and Denise centred the build on a high-performing envelope, with SolarSpan® insulated roofing panels as a key component.
The Solution
Andrew’s strategy was to simplify the building form and materials, optimise orientation and shading, and maximise insulation across the building envelope.
Paired with a 24kW solar PV and 42kWh battery system, the result is a home that stays comfortable year-round with minimal heating and cooling, powered entirely by on-site electricity generation.
“We chose SolarSpan® very early in the design process. Other elements changed through the design iterations, but SolarSpan® remained a constant because it ticked so many boxes for us,” Andrew said.
SolarSpan® was selected for its thermal performance, airtight design and structural capability, enabling a low north-facing single pitch, clear spans and raking ceilings without additional structure.
“It’s a complete system. There are no roof penetrations, no drafts, no leaks, and the panels provide excellent thermal performance,” he said.
It also delivered construction efficiencies: the roof, gutters and trims were supplied by Bondor and installed in a single day, helping the couple move quickly to the next stage of the build.
“The fast installation meant we could start the walls much sooner than with a conventional system. Even with the plasterboard ceiling, the roof is only about 250 mm thick overall, which is exceptional for this level of performance.”
“It also allowed the photovoltaic system to be installed early, reducing the time we needed scaffolding. Solar fixing is straightforward, and the panels easily accommodate the extra load.”
The high thermal performance of the SolarSpan® roof and insulated walls, combined with the solar PV and battery system, significantly reduces grid reliance and enables the rooftop solar array to generate a substantial surplus.
“We expect to generate around 36 megawatt hours a year, while using less than 12, so the home should consistently export a large amount of electricity back to the grid,” Andrew said.
By combining a carefully detailed insulation strategy with SolarSpan® insulated roofing panels, Andrew and Denise created a distinctive family home that is comfortable year-round, efficient to build, and strong in everyday thermal and energy performance.
“Choosing SolarSpan® simplified the design, detailing and construction without compromising performance. It was time- and cost-effective, with strong thermal and structural properties,” Andrew said.
“The thin profile and standard trims look sharp externally and made achieving raking ceilings easy. Bondor also provided excellent support throughout the project.”
“We feel like we’ve made a lot of good decisions in this project and going with SolarSpan® was amongst the best.”
