We aren’t 100% sure of the reality of the situation regarding Global Warming, but whether it exists or not, we can still benefit the environment by thinking green. Even the houses being built as we speak aren’t taking full advantage of the eco technology available. These are four Australian houses that the modern designer/architect could think about and incorporate the eco methods into their future builds.
Eco Cabin – Bundeena
This eco home is a place of stunning natural beauty. Developers of the Elandra tract actually struck gold and were granted permission to build 15 of these cabins, all with views out across the beach.
They are based on timber-frames and are pushed into the sloping dunes, sitting on stilts. Eco elements were obviously a major consideration, so the site and its surrounding trees were preserved as far as possible. Water collection tanks are integral, and the plumbing is fed from recycled rainwater, while sustainable wood timbers are used throughout the whole construction.
House on an Artificial Hill – Melbourne
Architect Andrew Maynard managed to bring the hill to this ultra-cool raised house near Melbourne. This artificial hill raises this eco genius to great new heights. It’s a striking black main structure is precariously placed at the top of the hill, where it looks as though it could tip either way. This addition to the home looks toward the main structure, but being raised, it enjoys fantastic views of the gardens. The interior is as innovative as the exterior, featuring an open layout that lets you marvel at all its quirks. To access the upper level, an industrial-style spiral staircase at the centre of the structure is the icing on the cake. It even has a rooftop garden! Apart from looking stunning, this tremendous add-on has an eco plan. Sun facing, the upper volume acts as the solar eave, blocking out the summer sun whilst letting warming winter sun flood in to heat the home naturally.
Bridge House – Adelaide
Bridge House bridges (no pun intended) the gap between innovation and architecture. This contemporary design is a combination of a house and a bridge, reaching across a river valley just outside Adelaide. The clients not only demanded these unusual design requests, but also wanted its environmental surroundings preserved in their natural state. The long glasshouse extends from one side of the valley to the other, without impeding the views of the river below, or the surrounding trees. Numerous sustainable solutions to living were also incorporated, including natural ventilation and cooling fans, thermal windows and heat-absorbing floors to heat the house during winter, and locally sourced products and recyclable materials were used for the build. A rainwater recycling system is used to save water, and photovoltaic cells are used to power the house, off the main grid. Solar hot water panels on the roof provide the home with heated water at little cost, too.
Many domestic properties on the market will have Eco features such as energy saving heating and hot water and you can take inspiration from these homes to make your own places better for the environment look online for some ideas from real estate in Aderlaide providers to see what is available in the current market, you can Eco your own home to.
The Leura House – Sydney
This wonderful home, designed by Australian architect James Stockwell, is a contemporary structure inspired by the age-old geology of Sydney’s Blue Mountain area. The open space concept is devoid of any boundaries between rooms, and the doors are hidden from view. Aesthetics aside, this modern home’s main focus is definitely all about function – it’s designed to contain the owners, their children and an amazing twelve grandchildren! Eco-friendly aspects were a major consideration, smart and sustainable features like “rammed earth” walls for insulation just one of the many eco elements. Passive heating and cooling techniques supported by hydronic heating and cooling, as well as the building’s ability to product its own energy off the main grid makes this a truly magnificent piece of architectural genius.