GreenSmart Custom Built Home

2022 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards

Winner: Blue Eco Homes

"Nestled within the NSW Blue Mountains wilderness lies the Kurrajong house, a striking elongated timber and steel structure designed to rest lightly on its native bushland habitat.

The low-impact, environmentally and ecologically considerate development integrates architectural expression with sustainable building practices. Built to Passive House standards, the home also boasts bushfire protection and prevention systems, surpassing regulatory requirements.

The dwelling’s overall presence and bulk was reduced through the alternating pavilion-style skillion roofs, as well as the positioning and scale of the glazing elements. The occupants are provided with a highly efficient and thermally comfortable environment through passive heating and cooling, solar power generation technologies and rainwater harvesting.

Informed by both thermal modelling and a strong consideration for capturing the surrounding bushland views, the home has a north-east to south-west orientation, allowing for the manipulation of northern sunlight while also providing amenity for effective cross ventilation.

Visually, the charcoal and copper exterior adds drama but it serves a dual purpose; the facade and fenestration scheme provides excellent interior conditions and maximum protection in a bushfire event.

The external walls offer high levels of insulation, thermal mass and bushfire resistance, with all windows BAL-40 rated and protected by shutters/screens over the windows where required. External cladding and features have been designed with the intention of reducing the possibility of ember lodgement."