Self-Sufficient Ecohouse in Inner Brisbane, Australia

April 16, 2010 Category: House, Residential

The Ecohouse, a 6 star energy rated sustainable home design that located in Hill End, inner Brisbane, Australia, was designed by Riddel Architecture (the specialist in contemporary architecture and heritage conservation) is private residence constructed almost entirely from the house it replaced. The modern self-sufficient eco-house was built from recycled building material, using 95 percent of the salvaged building material from the 19th century house that originally occupied its narrow riverfront site.

The architectural design of the three-storey Ecohouse relates to the subtropical Australian climate with openings maximised to capture cool breezes, sun and daylight. The house is in two halves, connected by the Gallery breezeway, which acts as a funnel for fresh air. Large windows throughout provide views of the surrounding river landscape whilst reducing the need for artificial light.

The house is fully self-sufficient in both water and power heating is provided naturally to the well-insulated house by solar gain captured in concrete floors. A simple gas fire provides winter heating to the southern living spaces, where solar heating is not possible. 60,000 liters of rainwater storage supplies the entire house and garden. Exterior awnings and window treatments modulate light and heat from the sun.

Riddel Architecture says “A painstaking deconstruction process resulted in just two small skips of non-reusable materials being discarded. All additional materials were locally sourced and have undergone rigorous assessment of their environmental, social and economic sustainability credentials. Appliances were sourced to support local industry and reduce energy-miles. With sustainability at its core the Ecohouse holds a 6-star energy efficiency rating and is self sufficient without sacrificing its aesthetic beauty. We were dedicated to creating the greenest home possible without compromising style. The idea of deconstructing a previous property to create something new was really exciting to us. We are pleased with how the house manages to fuse beauty with eco facilities.”

The home design is sited within a lush landscape with many spaces opening onto terraces and balconies. Riddel Architecture team, David Gole and Emma Scragg worked in collaboration with Robert Peagram Builders.

Ecohouse by Riddel Architecture in Inner Brisbane Australia