Project: Sustainable Home, Hervey Bay

Awards: This project received the RAIA Sustainability Award Commendation and the RAIA Courier Mail People’s Choice Award.

Project Description:

This award winning 3 bedroom house is the result of the Harvey Bay Council's YBE 2004 initiative. The house was built with the purpose of educating the public on what can be achieved through clever design principles and simple construction methods.

An Environmental Brief was created prior to commencement of the design to ensure both the client’s needs and sustainable design principles were addressed.

There was a focus on local sustainability during the design process. This involved employment of strategies such as:

‘Design for accessibility’ - All internal rooms, external paths and outside areas were designed for accessibility.

‘Design for flexible living’ – The plan layout was designed to accommodate the typical nuclear family and allow for other variations such as two couples, couple with young children, couple with older children/students, family with a home office. The plan also allows for easy future additions.

‘Local expertise’ - Engagement of local builders, engineers and also use of local materials.

‘Indoor/outdoor beach living’ - Easy transition between internal/external areas.

‘Design for safety and security’ - Clear sightlines to children’s play areas and public areas.

Environmental initiatives included design for climate, site specific design, design for bio-diversity, energy and water efficient design, construction waste minimization and encouragement of food production.