{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ 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
Support & guidance
Ask an expert Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards
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
For your business
Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA SafeScan
Apprentices
Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Value for money
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right
Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards 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 Communication for 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
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Grow with us
Sign me up Become a member Member benefits Mates rates
Our podcasts
Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter
Our initiatives
HIA Building Women Charitable Foundation GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub
Get involved
Become an award judge Join a committee Meet our members Partner with us
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 2026 Australian Home of the Year
Industry events
Events in the next month Economic outlook HIA Made 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

Sustainable Home

Australian GreenSmart Awards

Winner: Tallwood Custom Built Homes

The Eco Barnhouse, nestled within the Witchcliffe Ecovillage, stands as a beacon of sustainability within one of the world's most eco-conscious residential developments. This innovative dwelling is a remarkable 140% carbon offset and achieves complete self-sufficiency in renewable energy and water resources. At its core, the home features a 10kw photovoltaic system connected to a central storage battery and the village microgrid, allowing excess energy to power electric vehicles or contribute back to the Western Power grid. With a 100,000-litre rainwater tank, greywater recycling system, and waterwise fixtures, the house and garden thrive sustainably while promoting organic farming and native habitat preservation. The design prioritises flexible living, providing options for extended family living or separate tenancy. Sustainable features include rammed earth walls for thermal regulation and locally sourced materials to reduce embodied energy. The Eco Barnhouse exemplifies holistic sustainability through design, energy efficiency, and mindful construction practices.

Partnered By

Actron Air
HIA Awards
Winner: 2025 HIA Australian GreenSmart Sustainable Home
$vuetify.icon.faTimes

Finalists:

  • Building Versatility
  • Buildsmart Constructions
  • COMPATIBLE CONSTRUCTION
  • Dimco Building
  • Lancaster Homes
  • MyStyle Homes (QLD)
  • Ovens & King Builders
  • Thompson Sustainable Homes (QLD)