Time to read: 2 mins
All images: HIA GreenSmart Awards & Beaumont Concepts
The winner of the 2019 HIA Australian GreenSmart Home and GreenSmart Sustainable Home was awarded to this striking single-level family home by Beaumont Concepts. Located in the seaside village of Cape Paterson, Victoria, its sharp contours and unexpected angles are a study in eco-friendly design and finishes.
It features an impressive 9.1-star rating. This home is a showcase of bold contrast between its modern exterior of black steel and warm timber, and an interior of reverse red brick veneer walls that exude rustic chic (all salvaged from demolition sites). The open plan living area has unexpected creative designs such as raked ceilings, and at the same time aids passive solar gain and allows for an abundance of natural light to filter in.
This net energy positive home has zero electricity costs for a family of four, made possible by a 6kW solar PV system and battery energy storage. The panels slope down over the windows of the kitchen and lounge room rather than the customary rooftop location. Coupled with a 900mm each overhand and a timber blade shading system, its positioning also serves to minimise sola absorption into the home itself.
All of the home’s windows are strategically placed to maximise cross ventilation and provide a natural temperature control. This also includes the use of operable highlight windows from the living areas to help purge hot are during the warmer months. A 10,000-litre rainwater tank, low-VOC paints and local-sourced materials work together to round out the vast range of luxurious sustainable features found in this surprisingly stylish build.
Winners of the HIA GreenSmart Awards are given only to those that recognise sustainable building practices. With many homes in contention, it was a competitive year filled with sustainable innovation unseen in previous years. The all-rounded innovation and sustainable creativity of design seen throughout this home won it it’s top place.
