This design won awards for Best Sustainable Design at the 2010 BDAQ State Awards, and the 2010 BDAQ Regional Awards. It also won Best Use of Colorbond Steel at the 2010 BDAQ Regional Awards.
This sustainable home situated in the Currumbin EcoVillage is designed to take advantage of the environmental conditions that the house is sited within. Strict EcoVillage covenants included: minimal impact on site and planet, maximum efficiency of energy and water usage, net gain power and water generation, social connection to surrounding community, and a minimum of 40% recycled building materials.
The house has both Queenslander and Japanese influences. A red header tank and two side tanks are a dominant feature of this house – reminiscent of a rural Queenslander. Pergolas and small stepping roofs over the stairs are reminiscent of Japanese architecture.
Two separate pavilions occupy three separate levels (giving the impression of three separate buildings) with a central landscaped breezeway/walkway. The living room is a cosy space with views to the garden terrace and breezeway. The bedroom gains morning sun and has its own private deck.
The main water storage tank ‘smashes’ into the corner of the bathroom. On the inside of the bathroom a fake water tank skin mimics the tank.
Build by latitude21.
Read the testimonial
We have now had the pleasure of living in our home for a full twelve months and more. We are delighted with the comfort and ambience of the home, specifically with the extensive use of aged, recycled timber including tallowwood flooring throughout, which is over 100 years old. The thermal mass walls of recycled Besser brick and Rockcote render are an effective and attractive aspect of the living areas and bedrooms of the home. Extensive incorporation of louvre windows in bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas provide a good airflow.
Tinted windows and external insect screens have been successful in preventing bird strikes, which was of concern to us. The north-east aspect has been of great benefit with winter sun streaming into kitchen and living areas on cold winter mornings. Similarly, the south west verandah area has been beneficial in summer. After some difficulties with Origin Energy billing systems, we are now in credit with our energy provider with our 1.5Kwh solar system. With 36,000 water tank storage, we are also water independent and do not receive costly Allconnex water fees. The gardens of endemic native plants and food plants are giving us much joy with their amazing growth in the first year to the extent that we were able to host a garden party for 100 guests on the first anniversary of our move to our home.
John and Elizabeth, Thannhauser-Dolan Residence
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