The Barwon Heads Beach Houses demonstrate the high level of sustainability that can be achieved in a higher density, multi residential project. In achieving this outcome, a contemporary design has provided highly liveable, comfortable and healthy dwellings. GreenSmart principles feature prominently to prove that development on brown field infill sites makes best use of infrastructure as well as creating high levels of amenity compared to the home that has been replaced.

The design of the Beach Houses incorporated every key aspect of passive solar design in a highly integrated way to provide two dwellings on a 560m2 building site. Site planning has ensured that each townhouse has a generous north facing private open space. This space also allows for unimpeded winter sun penetration into each dwelling. The southerly driveway (common property) allows for the locating of the underground rainwater tanks, thus preserving valuable open space on the site.

The thermal performance and comfort of the beach houses during the 2009 heat waves fully demonstrated the benefits of the design.

When mercury outside exceeded 45 degrees, internal temperatures were maintained at less than 27 degrees celsius with only ceiling fans operating.

The Barwon Heads Beach Houses project is a multi residential development concept to replace a 1950’s fibre cement sheet beach house. Planning approval was granted in July 2007 after only 4 months consideration by Council, and construction was completed by January 2009.

“Being able to design and build entire projects from ‘go to whoa’ – including the landscaping – has numerous advantages in creating truly sustainable, holistic projects that exceeded client expectations”.​

Awards:

• Winner-HIA National Greensmart Concept Design of the Year (Barwon Heads Residences)
• ‘Cool & Quirky’ – Greensmart Magazine
  

Photography: Open2View