Developing a sustainable home design

Energy-efficiency and sustainable living were the key goals for landowners building a new home on French Island, Victoria. 

The sustainable home design brief

Owners Annie and Geoff had wanted a sustainable home design which would allow them to build an energy-efficient house on the site - and maximise the incredible views in the beautifully desolate surrounds of French Island, Victoria.

It was also important to the couple that they had two generous bedrooms, one with walk-in robes and both with bedroom ensuites. "We also wanted a large open-plan living area, no halls, a third loo, and a cupboard laundry," Annie says.

"We requested cathedral ceilings, timber flooring and lots of deck areas. We wanted an elegant simplicity of design, as we envisaged the house ultimately being sold to discerning city folk who need the ideal escape."

This very specific brief was given to architect Geoff Dobbin of Fairweather Homes, who shared the owners' vision for a simple, energy-efficient design for their French Island home.

Choosing the right building site on the property

Deciding on an appropriate building site for the house proved an early challenge; there were a number of suitable options on the 32-hectare block. The site that was finally decided upon is protected from prevailing southwesterly winds by a nearby forest.

Using Australian energy efficient products

An energy-efficient throughout the house features insulated building fabric, passive solar principles and cross ventilation. Wherever possible, the couple opted for locally produced materials and renewable resources were used, including Australian rainwater tanks and on-site power generation.

Maximising the views with large windows

The most striking feature of this sustainable home design is perhaps the large expanses of glass windows, which afford the best possible views of the surrounding landscape.

Annie and Geoff chose to forego curtains and blinds so as to enhance the sense of oneness with the landscape. "The bedrooms look out over the paddocks and have an energy of peace," says Annie. "They are beautiful to sleep in and then wake up in.

"We also love the large shower recesses, which are doorless and devoid of any shower frames. A beautiful glass panel goes floor to ceiling and we thank our builder, who found a glazier willing to think outside the square. Then there are the floor-to-ceiling ensuite windows, which provide a light airiness - and a great view!"

Contact a home designer in your area to discuss sustainable home designs: