{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2025 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

2020 HIA Australian GreenSmart Display Home

HIA GreenSmart Awards

2020 HIA Australian GreenSmart Display Home

HIA GreenSmart Awards

Winner: Blue Eco Homes, NSW

Nestled into the rugged bushland of NSW’s Blue Mountains resides a one-of-a-kind display home by builder Blue Eco Homes that is not only certified Passive House but also built to a BAL-FZ rating.

The Sapphire display took out the top accolade, HIA Australian GreenSmart Home, on 8 September in a virtual awards event for the 2020 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards.

The home, which also won the 2020 HIA Australian GreenSmart Display/Project Home award, is completely airtight except for the front door key hole, performing only 0.39 air changes per hour.

It is also energy positive, meaning its 5kW solar PV system and 10kW battery generates and stores more electricity than the single-level four-bedroom property needs to operate.

A striking home that ‘exceeds at all levels’, according to the judges, the Sapphire features a pleasant exterior in contrasting shades of charcoal and light grey, its skillion roofline and raked ceilings providing a spacious interior for occupants. Strategically placed highlight windows allow abundant natural light to filter through, while lightly-hued polished concrete floors offer thermal mass.

To ensure the home maintains a comfortable indoor temperature year-round, despite the mountains experiencing days that exceed 46°C in summer, the home includes high-performing UPVC aluminium-clad triple-glazed windows and doors which will transmit just one-sixth of the heat compared to a typical Australian window.

BAL-FZ rated shutters also offer shade, which are controlled by smart home technology and can be programed to go up or down at certain times of the day based on the shading requirements. This can be overridden remotely by an app, crucial in cases of approaching bushfire.

$vuetify.icon.faTimes

Australian GreenSmart Home finalists

Australian GreenSmart Display/Project Home finalists