BuildTrend Homes Pty Ltd
Special Commendation – Best Sustainable Home
About the winning project
Carefully designed to accommodate a growing family, this modest home prioritises thermal performance and energy self-sufficiency. The layout maximises passive solar design, ensuring all habitable rooms have north-facing windows with fixed horizontal shading for winter sun absorption and summer sun exclusion. The high-performance UPVC windows enable cross ventilation. With a NATHERS rating of 8.6 stars, the dwelling’s predicted annual energy load for heating and cooling is remarkably low at 60.5MJ/m2, less than a third of a 6-star rated house. The primary heating source is a wood fire fueled by fallen trees on the property. Rainwater is collected and used on-site, while wastewater is treated via a septic system. The home features a welcoming timber-lined entry portico, intersecting gables with cathedral ceilings, and a north-facing deck that enhances the connection to the rural surroundings.
