Grey water from the bath and shower in the bathroom above is stored in the copper water tank- the reused original hot water tank. The heat from the grey water warms the room and dries clothes on the laundry drying rack. It then feeds the toilet which was salvaged from a friend’s house.

More on grey water recycling...

The fan behind the toilet pulls ducted warm air from the mezzanine into the extension.

The washing machine is placed directly under hot water tank to reduce heat loss in the pipes. The temperature of water entering the machine is controlled by a thermostatic valve to minimise electricity use.

The freezer is a good second hand model. Around it we have built a thick insulation box made from insulation offcuts from elsewhere in the house. #

More on insulating fridges and freezers.